Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus, which can improve resource management flexibility and can be applied to a communication system. The method comprises: a first terminal apparatus receiving first information, wherein the first information is used for determining an operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in a first frequency domain resource set, and the first frequency domain resource set comprises at least two frequency domain resources. The first terminal apparatus communicates on at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, and the operator corresponding to the at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set comprises an operator corresponding to the first terminal apparatus.

Description

Communication methods and communication devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411921786.0, filed on December 23, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and communication device. Background Technology

[0003] In wireless communication systems, access network equipment configures spectrum resources for terminal equipment, which then communicates based on these resources. In scenarios where multiple operators share spectrum, the presence of spectrum resources shared by terminal equipment from different operators can lead to inflexible resource utilization if the terminal equipment communicates on the spectrum resources configured by the access network equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and a communication device that can improve the flexibility of resource management.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A first aspect provides a communication method. The communication method includes: a first terminal device receiving first information, wherein the first information is used to determine the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in a first frequency domain resource set, the first frequency domain resource set including at least two frequency domain resources; the first terminal device communicating on at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, the operator corresponding to the at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set including the operator corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0007] Based on the communication method provided in the first aspect, the first terminal device can determine the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, and communicate on the frequency domain resources of the operators corresponding to the operators in the first frequency domain resource set, including the operator corresponding to the first terminal device. In other words, the resources used for communication can be selected from the first frequency domain resource set according to the operator corresponding to the first terminal device. That is, the frequency domain resources actually used can be selected from the frequency domain resources configured in the access network equipment, and the utilization of frequency domain resources is more flexible.

[0008] As an example, the first terminal device may be a terminal equipment, a communication module, a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions, a chip system, or other components or parts. This communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions, chip system, or other components or parts may be used in the terminal equipment.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first frequency domain resource set includes frequency domain resources located in a first frequency band and / or frequency domain resources in a second frequency band. The first frequency band corresponds to at least two operators, and the second frequency band corresponds to one operator. Thus, when the first frequency domain resource set includes frequency domain resources located in the second frequency band, the first terminal device can communicate on the frequency domain resources of the second frequency band, reducing interference from other terminal devices to the first terminal device, thereby improving spectrum efficiency and reducing power consumption.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the method provided by the first aspect further includes: the first terminal device determining available frequency domain resources for the first terminal device based on the operator corresponding to the first terminal device and the operators corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set; and the first terminal device determining at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set from the available frequency domain resources for the first terminal device. Thus, the first terminal device can communicate using the available frequency domain resources in the first frequency domain resource set, thereby improving communication performance.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the method provided by the first aspect further includes: a first terminal device receiving second information, the second information being used to determine a second frequency domain resource set, the second frequency domain resource set including at least one frequency domain resource. Thus, multiple frequency domain resource sets can be configured, and the first terminal device can communicate on the first frequency domain resource set and the second frequency domain resource set, achieving high-bandwidth, high-speed communication and improving communication performance.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the method provided by the first aspect further includes: a first terminal device receiving third information, wherein the third information is used to determine the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up, the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up include frequency domain resources located in a first frequency band or frequency domain resources located in a second frequency band. Thus, after the first terminal device is woken up, it can communicate on the frequency domain resources indicated by the third information, and can indicate frequency domain resources that meet the communication requirements, and wake up to communicate on those frequency domain resources, thereby realizing on-demand wake-up of spectrum resources and improving communication performance.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the third information is carried on the frequency domain resources of the first frequency band. That is, the third information is carried on the frequency domain resources shared by multiple operators. In this way, when multiple operators share access network equipment, the access network equipment can communicate only in the frequency domain resources of the first frequency band, thereby achieving network energy saving and reducing the power consumption of network-side equipment.

[0014] In one possible implementation, there is a correspondence between the identifier of the terminal device set and a first frequency band or a second frequency band; wherein, the third information includes the identifier of the first terminal device set to which the first terminal device belongs, and the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up are located in the frequency band corresponding to the identifier of the first terminal device set. Thus, the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up can be determined by indicating the terminal device set, which can reduce the data volume of the third information and lower overhead.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up are located on the same frequency domain resource as the third information; alternatively, the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up are located on different frequency domain resources within the same set of frequency domain resources; or alternatively, the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up are located on frequency domain resources in different sets of frequency domain resources. This allows for the matching of frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up according to different scenarios, making communication more flexible for the first terminal device.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the method provided by the first aspect further includes: the first terminal device determining the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up from the correspondence between the identifier of the first terminal device set to which the first terminal device is located and the first frequency band or the second frequency band, based on the identifier of the first terminal device set to which the first terminal device is located.

[0017] Secondly, a communication method is provided. The communication method includes: an access network device generating first information, wherein the first information is used to determine a first frequency domain resource set and the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, the first frequency domain resource set including at least two frequency domain resources; and the access network device sending the first information.

[0018] Based on the communication method provided in the second aspect, the access network device can instruct the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, so that the frequency domain resources in the first frequency domain resource set can be used by terminal devices corresponding to different operators. In other words, the terminal device can select the resources for communication from the frequency domain resource set according to the operator corresponding to the terminal device. That is, the frequency domain resources actually used can be selected from the frequency domain resources configured by the access network device, and the utilization of frequency domain resources is more flexible.

[0019] As an example, an access network device can be a communication module, a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions, a chip system, or other components or parts. This communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions, chip system, or other components or parts can be used in network equipment.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the first frequency domain resource set includes frequency domain resources located in a first frequency band and / or frequency domain resources in a second frequency band, wherein the first frequency band corresponds to at least two operators and the second frequency band corresponds to one operator.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the operators corresponding to the frequency domain resources in the first frequency domain resource set include the first operator.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the method provided by the second aspect further includes: the access network device sending second information, the second information being used to determine a second set of frequency domain resources, the second set of frequency domain resources including at least one frequency domain resource.

[0023] In one possible implementation, at least one frequency domain resource in the second frequency domain resource set corresponds to an operator including the second operator.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the method provided by the second aspect further includes: the access network device sending third information, wherein the third information is used to determine the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up, and the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up include frequency domain resources located in the first frequency band or frequency domain resources located in the second frequency band.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the third information is carried on the frequency domain resources of the first frequency band.

[0026] In one possible implementation, there is a correspondence between the identifier of the terminal device set and the first frequency band or the second frequency band; wherein, the third information includes the identifier of the first terminal device set to which the first terminal device is located, and the frequency domain resources for communication performed by the first terminal device after being woken up are located in the frequency band corresponding to the identifier of the first terminal device set.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the frequency domain resources used for communication after the first terminal device is woken up and the third information are located on the same frequency domain resources; or, the frequency domain resources used for communication after the first terminal device is woken up and the third information are located on different frequency domain resources in the same set of frequency domain resources; or, the frequency domain resources used for communication after the first terminal device is woken up and the third information are located on frequency domain resources in different sets of frequency domain resources.

[0028] Furthermore, the technical effects of the method provided in the second aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the corresponding features in the method provided in the first aspect, and will not be elaborated upon further.

[0029] In conjunction with the communication method provided in the first or second aspect, one possible implementation scheme includes a first frequency domain resource set comprising first frequency domain resources and second frequency domain resources. This allows for the configuration of different frequency domain resources within the same frequency domain resource set, thus making the configuration of the frequency domain resource set more flexible.

[0030] In conjunction with the communication method provided in the first or second aspect, one possible implementation scheme involves using a first frequency domain resource to carry at least one of the following: information for residing, paging messages, low-power wake-up signals, or uplink wake-up signals; and using a second frequency domain resource to carry service data. Thus, by setting the first frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, when there is no service data transmission requirement, the first terminal device can maintain a communication link connection only on the first frequency domain resource, maintaining synchronous access with the access network equipment. This achieves energy saving for the terminal device and allows for rapid restoration of the data transmission mode when data transmission is required, improving communication performance. When data transmission is required, the first terminal device can transmit data with the access network equipment on the second frequency domain resource or on the first frequency domain resource, achieving fast and efficient communication.

[0031] In conjunction with the communication methods provided in the first or second aspect, one possible implementation involves using a lower frequency for the first frequency domain resource than for the second frequency domain resource. Since the amount of data used for stationary information, paging messages, low-power wake-up signals, or uplink wake-up signals is relatively small, a lower frequency is used for transmission, thus reducing power consumption. Because the coverage area corresponding to a lower frequency is larger than that corresponding to a higher frequency, a lower frequency for the first frequency domain resource allows for a larger coverage area; that is, terminal devices within this coverage area can all perform access control on the first frequency domain resource, improving communication efficiency and achieving network energy saving. Since higher frequency resources have higher transmission rates, transmitting service data on the second frequency domain resource can improve communication efficiency.

[0032] In conjunction with the communication methods provided in the first or second aspect, one possible implementation involves a first frequency domain resource located within a first frequency band, which corresponds to at least two operators. This means the second frequency domain resource is a shared resource among the operators. In this way, on the one hand, terminal devices corresponding to at least two operators can share the same frequency domain resource for access, thereby reducing operating frequencies and lowering overhead in the communication system. On the other hand, when the number of terminal devices is small or service demands are low, the access network equipment can configure terminal devices from different operators to communicate on the same frequency domain resource, thereby shutting down operator-dedicated spectrum, achieving network energy saving, and reducing the energy consumption of the access network equipment.

[0033] In conjunction with the communication methods provided in the first or second aspect, one possible implementation involves the first frequency domain resource located within a second frequency band, which corresponds to a single operator; that is, the second frequency domain resource is a dedicated operator-specific resource. In this way, the access network equipment can determine the communication / access requirements of the terminal devices corresponding to each operator, and can implement access network control for the basic services of each operator on the operator-specific spectrum, thereby improving the access performance of the terminal devices of each operator.

[0034] In conjunction with the communication method provided in the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first information is further used to indicate the first frequency domain resources of the first terminal device. This allows the first frequency domain resources to be configured by the network side, improving flexibility.

[0035] In conjunction with the communication methods provided in the first or second aspect, one possible implementation scheme is that the first frequency domain resource corresponds to the first operator, and the second frequency domain resource corresponds to the second operator. That is, different frequency domain resources for different operators can be configured within the same set of frequency domain resources. Under this configuration method, different operators can correspond to the same configuration information. In other words, frequency domain resources can be configured for different operators using the same configuration information, thereby reducing signaling indication overhead.

[0036] In conjunction with the communication method provided in the first or second aspect, one possible implementation scheme includes a third frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, which corresponds to the first operator and the second operator.

[0037] In conjunction with the communication method provided in the first or second aspect, one possible implementation is that the first information is used to indicate the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set. This allows operators corresponding to multiple frequency domain resources to be indicated by the same information, thereby simplifying the first information and reducing overhead. Alternatively, the first information can be used to indicate the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set. This allows for separate indication of the corresponding operator for each frequency domain resource, making the operation of the operators corresponding to the frequency domain resources more flexible.

[0038] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. The communication method includes: a first terminal device receiving third information. The third information is used to determine the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up, and the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up include frequency domain resources located in a first frequency band or frequency domain resources located in a second frequency band. The first terminal device determines the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up based on the third information.

[0039] Based on the communication method provided in the third aspect, after the first terminal device is woken up, it can communicate on the frequency domain resources indicated by the third information. It can indicate the frequency domain resources that meet the communication requirements and wake up on the frequency domain resources to communicate. This can realize the wake-up of spectrum resources as required and improve communication performance.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the method provided by the third aspect further includes: the first terminal device receiving information to wake up the first terminal device.

[0041] Optionally, the frequency domain resources carrying the information for waking up the first terminal device are determined based on the third information. As an example, the frequency domain resources carrying the information for waking up the first terminal device may be the frequency domain resources used by the first terminal device for communication after being woken up, as indicated by the third information.

[0042] Optionally, the method provided by the third aspect may further include: the first terminal device determining frequency domain resources carrying information for waking up the first terminal device based on the third information. For example, the first terminal device may use the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up, as indicated by the third information, as the frequency domain resources carrying information for waking up the first terminal device.

[0043] When the frequency domain resource carrying the information for waking up the first terminal device is the same frequency domain resource used for communication after the first terminal device is woken up, as indicated by the third information, receiving the information for waking up the first terminal device may include: the first terminal device receiving the information for waking up the first terminal device on the frequency domain resource used for communication after the first terminal device is woken up. Thus, sending the information for waking up the first terminal device on the frequency domain resource used for communication after the first terminal device is woken up reduces the number of resource switching operations for the first terminal device, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0044] Fourthly, the access network device generates third information. This third information is used to determine the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up. These frequency domain resources include those located in the first frequency band or those located in the second frequency band. The access network device then sends the third information.

[0045] Based on the communication method provided in the fourth aspect, the access network device indicates to the first terminal device the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up. After the first terminal device is woken up, it can communicate on the frequency domain resources indicated by the third information. It can indicate the frequency domain resources that meet the communication requirements and wake up to communicate on the frequency domain resources. This can realize the wake-up of spectrum resources on demand and improve communication performance.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the method provided by the fourth aspect further includes: the access network device sending information to wake up the first terminal device.

[0047] Optionally, the access network device sends information for waking up the first terminal device on the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device, as indicated by the third information, is woken up.

[0048] When the frequency domain resource carrying the information for waking up the first terminal device can be the frequency domain resource indicated by the third information for communication after the first terminal device is woken up, the access network device sending the information for waking up the first terminal device may include: the access network device sending the information for waking up the first terminal device on the frequency domain resource for communication after the first terminal device is woken up. Thus, sending the information for waking up the first terminal device on the frequency domain resource for communication after the first terminal device is woken up can reduce the number of resource switching operations for the first terminal device, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0049] In conjunction with the methods provided in the third or fourth aspect, one possible implementation involves the third information being carried on the frequency domain resources of the first frequency band, which corresponds to multiple operators. That is, the third information is carried on frequency domain resources shared by multiple operators. This allows multiple operators to share access network equipment, where the access network equipment can communicate only within the frequency domain resources of the first frequency band, achieving network energy saving, i.e., reducing the power consumption of network-side equipment.

[0050] In conjunction with the methods provided in the third or fourth aspect, one possible implementation involves a correspondence between the identifier of the terminal device set and the first or second frequency band. The third information includes the identifier of the first terminal device set to which the first terminal device belongs, and the frequency domain resources for communication performed by the first terminal device after wake-up are located in the frequency band corresponding to the identifier of the first terminal device set. Thus, the frequency domain resources for communication performed by the first terminal device after wake-up can be determined through the terminal device set, reducing the data volume of the third information and lowering overhead.

[0051] In conjunction with the methods provided in the third or fourth aspect, one possible implementation is that the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up are located on the same frequency domain resources as the third information; alternatively, the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up are located on different frequency domain resources within the same set of frequency domain resources; or alternatively, the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up are located on frequency domain resources in different sets of frequency domain resources. This allows for the matching of frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up according to different scenarios, making communication more flexible for the first terminal device.

[0052] Fifthly, a communication method is provided. The communication method includes: a first terminal device receiving fourth information, wherein the fourth information indicates a first frequency domain resource set and a first frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set corresponding to a first operator, the first operator being the operator corresponding to the first terminal device, and the first frequency domain resource set including at least two frequency domain resources. The first terminal device receives fifth information and / or sends sixth information on the first frequency domain resources, wherein the fifth information is information for camping, a paging message, or a low-power wake-up signal, and the sixth information is an uplink wake-up signal.

[0053] Based on the communication method provided in the fifth aspect, the first terminal device can receive the fourth information, which can be used to determine the first frequency domain resource corresponding to the first operator. In this way, the first terminal device can perform access control on the first frequency domain resource, such as receiving the fifth information and / or sending the sixth information. Thus, the access network equipment can indicate the frequency domain resource for frequency domain resource access to the first terminal device, making the frequency domain resource used for access control more flexible.

[0054] As an example, the first terminal device may be a terminal equipment, a communication module, a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions, a chip system, or other components or parts. This communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions, chip system, or other components or parts may be used in the terminal equipment.

[0055] Sixthly, a communication method is provided. The communication method includes: an access network device sending fourth information, wherein the fourth information indicates a first frequency domain resource set and a first frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set corresponding to a first operator, the first operator being an operator corresponding to a first terminal device, and the first frequency domain resource set including at least two frequency domain resources. The access network device sends fifth information and / or receives sixth information on the first frequency domain resources, wherein the fifth information is information for camping or an uplink wake-up signal, and the sixth information is a paging message or a low-power wake-up signal.

[0056] Based on the communication method provided in the sixth aspect, the access network device can send fourth information, which can be used to determine the first frequency domain resource corresponding to the first operator. In this way, the first terminal device can perform access control on the first frequency domain resource, such as receiving fifth information and / or sending sixth information. Thus, the access network device can indicate the frequency domain resource for frequency domain resource access to the first terminal device, making the frequency domain resource used for access control more flexible.

[0057] As an example, an access network device can be a communication module, a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions, a chip system, or other components or parts. This communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions, chip system, or other components or parts can be used in network equipment.

[0058] In conjunction with the methods provided in the third or fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first frequency domain resource is a frequency domain resource dedicated to the first operator, or the first frequency domain resource is a frequency domain resource shared by the first operator and the second operator.

[0059] A seventh aspect provides a communication apparatus. This communication apparatus is used to execute the communication method described in any one of the implementations of the first to sixth aspects.

[0060] In this application, the communication device described in the seventh aspect can be a terminal device, a communication module, a circuit with communication function, a chip, a chip system, or other components or assemblies. The communication module, the circuit with communication function, the chip, the chip system, or other components or assemblies can be applied in a terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device can be a network device (such as a radio access network (RAN) node), a communication module, a circuit with communication function, a chip, a chip system, or other components or assemblies. The communication module, the circuit with communication function, the chip, the chip system, or other components or assemblies can be applied in a network device.

[0061] It should be understood that the communication apparatus described in the seventh aspect includes modules, units, or means that implement the communication methods described in any of the first to sixth aspects. These modules, units, or means can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units for performing the functions involved in the aforementioned communication methods.

[0062] Eighthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a processor configured to execute the communication method described in any of the possible implementations of the first to sixth aspects.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the communication device described in the eighth aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device described in the eighth aspect and other communication devices.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the communication device described in the eighth aspect may further include a memory. This memory may be integrated with the processor or disposed separately. The memory may be used to store computer programs (or code instructions or program instructions) and / or data related to the communication method described in any of the first to sixth aspects.

[0065] In this application, the communication device described in the eighth aspect can be a terminal device, a communication module, a circuit with communication function, a chip, a chip system, or other components or assemblies. The communication module, the circuit with communication function, the chip, the chip system, or other components or assemblies can be applied in a terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device can be a network device, a communication module, a circuit with communication function, a chip, a chip system, or other components or assemblies. The communication module, the circuit with communication function, the chip, the chip system, or other components or assemblies can be applied in a network device.

[0066] A ninth aspect provides a communication device. The communication device includes a processor coupled to a memory, the processor executing a computer program stored in the memory, such that the communication device performs the communication method described in any possible implementation of the first to sixth aspects.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the communication device described in the ninth aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device described in the ninth aspect and other communication devices.

[0068] In this application, the communication device described in the ninth aspect can be a terminal device, a communication module, a circuit with communication function, a chip, a chip system, or other components or assemblies. The communication module, the circuit with communication function, the chip, the chip system, or other components or assemblies can be applied in a terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device can be a network device, a communication module, a circuit with communication function, a chip, a chip system, or other components or assemblies. The communication module, the circuit with communication function, the chip, the chip system, or other components or assemblies can be applied in a network device.

[0069] A tenth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory being used to store a computer program, which, when executed by the processor, causes the communication device to perform the communication method described in any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the communication device described in the tenth aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device described in the tenth aspect and other communication devices.

[0071] In this application, the communication device described in aspect ten can be a terminal device, a communication module, a circuit with communication function, a chip, a chip system, or other components or assemblies. The communication module, the circuit with communication function, the chip, the chip system, or other components or assemblies can be applied in a terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device can be a network device, a communication module, a circuit with communication function, a chip, a chip system, or other components or assemblies. The communication module, the circuit with communication function, the chip, the chip system, or other components or assemblies can be applied in a network device.

[0072] Eleventhly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor; the processor being configured to be coupled to a memory, and after reading a computer program from the memory, to execute a communication method as described in any one of the first to sixth aspects according to the computer program.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the communication device described in the eleventh aspect may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device described in the eleventh aspect and other communication devices.

[0074] In this application, the communication device described in the eleventh aspect can be a terminal device, a communication module, a circuit with communication function, a chip, a chip system, or other components or assemblies. The communication module, or the circuit, chip, chip system, or other components or assemblies with communication function can be applied in the terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device can be a network device (such as a radio access network (RAN) node), a communication module, a circuit, chip, chip system, or other components or assemblies with communication function. The communication module, the circuit, chip, chip system, or other components or assemblies with communication function can be applied in the network device.

[0075] In a twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes one or more terminal devices and one or more network devices.

[0076] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising: a computer program or instructions; when the computer program or instructions are executed on a computer, causing the computer to perform the communication method described in any possible implementation of the first to sixth aspects.

[0077] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the communication method described in any one of the possible implementations of the first to sixth aspects.

[0078] Furthermore, the technical effects of aspects seven through fourteen above can be referred to with reference to the technical effects of the communication methods described in aspects one through six above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0079] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system when operators share access network equipment;

[0081] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another communication system architecture when operators share access network equipment.

[0082] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the frequency domain resource set provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the distribution of frequency domain resources in the first frequency domain resource set provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0085] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the distribution of frequency domain resources in the M frequency domain resource sets provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0086] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the M frequency domain resource sets and configuration information provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0087] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the frequency domain resources for communication after the terminal device is woken up, as provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the third information provided in the embodiments of this application and the frequency domain resources for communication after the terminal device is woken up;

[0089] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0091] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0092] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0093] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems, such as new radio (NR) systems, and future communication systems, etc.

[0094] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches are also possible.

[0095] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplarily" and "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being better or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the word "example" is intended to present the concept in a specific manner.

[0096] First, in this application, "for indicating" can include both direct and indirect indication. When describing "information" for indicating A, it can include whether the information directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the information carries A.

[0097] The information indicated by a given piece of information is called the information to be indicated. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be indicated, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be indicated, such as the information to be indicated itself or its index. It can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be indicated. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the indication of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing the indication overhead to some extent. At the same time, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and indicated uniformly to reduce the indication overhead caused by individually indicating the same information.

[0098] Furthermore, the specific indication method can also be any existing indication method, such as, but not limited to, the above-mentioned indication methods and their various combinations. Specific details of various indication methods can be found in existing technologies, and will not be repeated here. As described above, for example, when multiple pieces of information of the same type need to be indicated, the indication methods for different pieces of information may differ. In the specific implementation process, the required indication method can be selected according to specific needs. This application embodiment does not limit the selected indication method; therefore, the indication methods involved in this application embodiment should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated.

[0099] The information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information messages, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be the same or different. This application does not limit the specific sending method. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or configured by the transmitting device by sending configuration information to the receiving device. This configuration information can include, for example, but not limited to, higher-layer signaling and / or physical-layer signaling. For example, higher-layer signaling can include radio resource control (RRC) signaling or medium access control (MAC) layer signaling. This configuration information can include, for example, but not limited to, one or a combination of at least two of higher-layer and physical-layer signaling. MAC layer signaling includes, for example, a medium access control-control element (MAC CE); physical (PHY) layer signaling includes, for example, downlink control information (DCI).

[0100] Second, in the embodiments shown below, the first, second, and various numerical designations are merely distinctions for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, to distinguish different indication information.

[0101] Third, "pre-defined," "pre-configured," or "pre-specified" can be achieved by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables, or other means of indicating relevant information in the device (e.g., including terminal devices and network devices), or by pre-defining them in a protocol. This application does not limit the specific implementation method. "Saving" can refer to saving in one or more memories. These memories can be separate installations or integrated into the encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memories can be separately installed, while others are integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit this.

[0102] Fourth, the “protocol” involved in the embodiments of this application may refer to standard protocols in the field of communications, such as LTE protocols of the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) (such as technical specification (TS) 36, i.e., the TS36 series of technical specifications), NR protocols (such as the TS38 series of technical specifications), and related protocols applied to future communication systems. This application does not limit this.

[0103] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0104] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0105] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application will be described in detail first using the communication system shown in FIG1 as an example. Exemplarily, FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in FIG1, the communication system includes network devices and terminal devices.

[0106] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes at least one access network device (such as access network device 110a and access network device 110b) and at least one terminal device (such as terminal device 120a to terminal device 120j).

[0107] Terminal devices can connect to access network devices wirelessly, and access network devices can connect to the core network (not shown in Figure 1) via wired or wireless means.

[0108] Among them, access network equipment and terminals can exchange information.

[0109] The communication system may also include a core network 130. Access network devices connect to the core network 130 wirelessly or via wired means. The core network devices and access network devices in the core network 130 can be independent and different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device that integrates the logical functions of the core network devices and the logical functions of the access network devices. The communication system may also include the Internet 140.

[0110] Terminal equipment can be a terminal with transceiver capabilities. This terminal equipment can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station (MS), mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user apparatus. The terminal devices in the embodiments of this application may be mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, tablets, wireless data cards, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless modems, handsets, laptop computers, machine-type communication (MTC) terminals, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminals, augmented reality (AR) terminals, smart home devices (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), intelligent robots, robotic arms, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in autonomous driving, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in telemedicine, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, vehicle-mounted terminals, and roadside units with terminal functions. The terminal device in this application can also be an onboard module, onboard unit, onboard component, onboard chip, or onboard unit, which is built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The terminal device can also be other devices with terminal functions; for example, it can be a device that performs terminal functions in D2D communication. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal device. The device used to implement the function of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself; it can also be a device that supports the terminal device in implementing the function, such as a communication module, chip, chip system, other components or parts, or circuits or functional components. This device can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. The chip system can be composed of chips or include chips and other discrete devices.Among them, the various forms of terminal devices mentioned above can also be referred to as terminal-side devices.

[0111] In this application embodiment, the access network device can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. For example, the access network device can be a device located in the access network (AN) of a communication system, which can be used to provide access services for terminal devices. In one possible scenario, the access network device can be a radio access network (RAN) device, such as a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, an IAB parent node, or a base station in a future communication system. In future mobile communication systems, the access network device may also have other naming conventions, all of which are covered within the protection scope of this application embodiment, and this application does not impose any limitations on them. Alternatively, the access network device may also include 5G, such as a gNB in ​​an NR system, or one or a group (including multiple antenna panels) of antenna panels of a 5G base station, or it may be a network node constituting a gNB, a transmission point (TRP or transmission point (TP), or a transmission measurement function (TMF). Alternatively, the access network device can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Optionally, the access network device can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment, etc. For example, the access network device in V2X technology can be an RSU. All or part of the functions of the access network device in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The access network device in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the access network device functions.

[0112] In another possible scenario, multiple access network devices collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with each access network device performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, the access network devices can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. The CU and DU can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0113] In different systems, CU (or centralized unit control plane (CU-CP)) and centralized unit user plane (CU-UP)), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN) system, CU can also be called an open centralized unit (O-CU) (open CU), DU can also be called an open distributed unit (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an open centralized unit control plane (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an open centralized unit user plane (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an open radio unit (O-RU). For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU units in this application can be implemented through a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0114] In this embodiment, the form of the network device is not limited. The device used to implement the function of the network device can be the network device itself; it can also be any device that supports the network device in implementing that function, such as a communication module, chip, chip system, other components or parts, or circuits or functional components. This device can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device. The chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices. The network devices of the various forms described above can also be referred to as network-side devices.

[0115] It should be understood that Figure 1 is a simplified schematic diagram for ease of understanding only, and the communication system may also include other network devices and / or other terminals, which are not shown in Figure 1.

[0116] It should be understood that the above system application scenarios are merely examples, and this application can also be applied to other scenarios, which will not be listed here.

[0117] In wireless communication systems (such as the system shown in Figure 1), wireless communication resources may include time-frequency resources. The following explanation of time-frequency resources will use an NR system as an example. It should be understood that NR can also be replaced with 5G or 5G NR.

[0118] The technical terms and related technical solutions in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0119] 1. Parameter set (numerology).

[0120] 5G NR introduces the concept of a parameter set, which includes sub-carrier spacing (SCS) and corresponding parameters such as symbol length and cyclic prefix (CP) length. Because there is a mapping relationship between SCS and symbol length / CP length, SCS is often used instead of parameter set in some literature.

[0121] For example, the parameters involved in the parameter set are shown in Table 1.

[0122] Table 1

[0123] In Table 1, μ represents the subcarrier spacing index, or μ represents the parameter set, CP length includes the normal CP length and the extended CP length, and FR represents the frequency range (FR).

[0124] 2. Channel

[0125] The Physical Reception Link Control Channel (PRxCCH) is a physical layer control channel. Generally, standard protocols describe it from the perspective of the terminal device; it's the physical layer control channel received by the terminal device, similar in function to the PDCCH in LTE and 5G. PRxCCH may be a new physical layer control channel introduced in future communication systems. Of course, future communication systems may still use PDCCH to represent the physical downlink control channel or physical transmit link control channel of the terminal device.

[0126] The Physical Reception Link Shared Channel (PRxSCH) is a physical layer data channel. Generally, standard protocols describe it from the perspective of the terminal device; it refers to the physical layer data channel received by the terminal device, similar in function to the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) in LTE and 5G. PRxSCH may be a newly introduced physical layer data channel in future communication systems. However, future communication systems may still use PDSCH to represent the physical downlink data channel or physical reception link data channel of the terminal device.

[0127] The Physical Transmission Link Control Channel (PTxCCH) is a physical layer control channel. Generally, standard protocols describe it from the perspective of the terminal device; it refers to the physical layer control channel transmitted by the terminal device, similar in function to the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) in LTE and 5G. PTxCCH may be a new physical layer control channel introduced in future communication systems. However, future communication systems may still use PUCCH to represent the physical uplink control channel or physical transmission link control channel of the terminal device.

[0128] The Physical Transmission Link Shared Channel (PTxSCH) is a physical layer data channel. Generally, standard protocols describe it from the perspective of the terminal device; it refers to the physical layer data channel transmitted by the terminal device, similar in function to the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) in LTE and 5G. PTxSCH may be a new physical layer data channel introduced in future communication systems. However, future communication systems may still use PUSCH to represent the physical uplink data channel or physical receive link data channel of the terminal device.

[0129] Optionally, from the perspective of the terminal device, downlink can be described as receiving; and from the perspective of the terminal device, uplink can be described as sending.

[0130] Multi-operator spectrum sharing refers to the ability of multiple operators to conduct wireless network communication on the same spectrum segment, meaning multiple operators can operate in the same frequency band and share the same spectrum. For example, operator A can communicate with terminal device 1 on spectrum resource A, and operator B can also communicate with terminal device 2 on spectrum resource A.

[0131] 3. Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN).

[0132] 3.1 A PLMN is a network established and operated by a competent authority or an authorized private telecommunications entity to provide terrestrial mobile communication services to the public.

[0133] A PLMN ID is the network identifier corresponding to a PLMN, which includes the mobile country code (MCC) and the mobile network code (MNC). An operator owns one or more PLMN IDs, and each PLMN ID is globally unique.

[0134] 3.2 Classification of PLMNs.

[0135] The location of terminal devices in a mobile network changes dynamically. To ensure that terminal devices can access mobile network services normally in different locations, the access and mobility management function (AMF) in the core network manages the access and mobility of terminal devices. During the AMF's access and mobility management process, when a terminal device registers, disconnects from the network, or re-enters the network, the same PLMN will be identified as different categories. For example, the relevant concepts of PLMN can be shown in Table 2.

[0136] Table 2

[0137] When a terminal device powers on or disconnects from the network, it will trigger a search for the PLMN. Terminal devices can search for the PLMN automatically or manually.

[0138] (1) Automatic network search refers to selecting a suitable PLMN for access based on the PLMN information recorded in the memory or SIM card, according to priority. For example, the terminal device's PLMN selection status includes one of the following three states: Trying to register with the PLMN (Trying RPLMN / PLMN), Waiting for the PLMN (Wait for PLMNs / Wait for PLMNs to appear), or Successfully registered on the PLMN (On PLMN).

[0139] When attempting to register a PLMN, the terminal device prioritizes RPLMN for registration. If the registration is successful, the terminal device will enter a state of successful registration on the PLMN. If the registration fails, the terminal device will begin selecting PLMNs according to the following priority: EPLMN, EHPLMN, HPLMN, UPLMN, OPLMN, VPLMN, and other PLMNs.

[0140] If the terminal device searches for all PLMNs but still finds no available PLMN, the terminal device enters a state of waiting for a PLMN.

[0141] Once a PLMN is successfully registered, the terminal device will periodically monitor the PLMN information. When the successfully registered PLMN becomes unavailable, the terminal device will enter a state of attempting to register a new PLMN and select a new PLMN.

[0142] Waiting for a PLMN: Currently, there are no allowed or available PLMNs, and the terminal device is waiting for a PLMN to appear. The terminal device will periodically search for available PLMNs. When an available PLMN appears, the terminal device enters the state of attempting to register a PLMN and selects a new PLMN.

[0143] During the automatic network search process, the terminal device can periodically detect the PLMN and continuously change between three states of selecting the PLMN.

[0144] (2) Manual network search refers to the terminal device providing the user with a list of available PLMNs, allowing the user to choose a PLMN to connect to. When the terminal device selects a PLMN from the list of available PLMNs, initiates registration, and the registration is successful, the terminal device can obtain normal network services.

[0145] 3.3. Multiple operators share the network.

[0146] In a communication system, there may be multiple operators, and different operators can share networks. Each operator can provide communication services to its own users, and each operator has its own core network. As shown in Figure 2, taking operators A and B as examples, operators A and B share access network equipment, and each operator A and operator B corresponds to a core network. Terminal devices (which can also be understood as users) corresponding to operator A communicate with operator A's core network through the access network equipment, and terminal devices (which can also be understood as users) corresponding to operator B communicate with operator B's core network through the access network equipment.

[0147] Different operators can share networks in the following ways: independent carrier access network (RAN) sharing and multi-operator core network (MOCN) sharing.

[0148] In a shared independent carrier access network (ICN), multiple operators each have their own complete core network, and while they share RAN equipment, they do not share radio spectrum resources. In this ICN scenario, for the core network, it's equivalent to a single set of radio equipment being divided into multiple "virtual devices," with each core network interface connecting to these "virtual" devices. For example, consider operators A and B. As shown in Figure 3(a), assuming operators A and B share a network using an ICN sharing method, the core network elements of operator A and operator B are independent of each other. For instance, operator A's core network elements include a Mobility Management Entity (MME)1 connected to the access network equipment, a System Architecture Evolution-Gateway (SAE-GW)1 connected to MME1, and a Home Subscriber Server (HSS)1 connected to MME1. Operator B's core network elements include an MME2 connected to the access network equipment, an SAE-GW2 connected to MME2, and an HSS2 connected to MME2. Operator A and Operator B share access network equipment, but the frequencies used by different operators for providing services on the access network equipment are different. For example, Operator A uses cell 1 to provide services, while Operator B uses cell 2. Cell 1 and cell 2 use different frequencies.

[0149] In MOCN (Multi-access Network) sharing, multiple operators share the radio access network and radio spectrum resources, but not the core network equipment, thus saving operators' investment costs. Throughout the solution, operators share radio spectrum resources. Access network equipment broadcasts information indicating multiple PLMNs within the same spectrum (e.g., a cell). Terminal devices can identify the multiple PLMNs broadcast by the access network equipment and select the appropriate PLMN for access. For example, consider operators A and B. As shown in Figure 3(b), assuming operators A and B share the network in MOCN mode, the core network elements of operator A and operator B are independent. For example, operator A's core network elements include MME1 connected to the access network equipment, SAE-GW1 connected to MME1, and HSS1 connected to MME1; operator B's core network elements include MME2 connected to the access network equipment, SAE-GW2 connected to MME2, and HSS2 connected to MME2. Operators A and B share access network equipment, and the frequencies used by different operators for providing services on the access network equipment are the same. For example, operator A uses cell 3 to provide services, and operator B also uses cell 3 to provide services.

[0150] It is understood that the MME1 mentioned above can also be replaced by Serving General Packet Radio Service Support Node (SGSN)1, MME2 can also be replaced by SGSN2, HSS1 can also be replaced by Home Location Register (HLR)1, and HSS2 can also be replaced by HLR2.

[0151] It is understood that the core network elements in Figure 3 above are for illustrative purposes. In different evolved versions of communication systems, the core network elements may have other possible names, and the core network may include more or fewer network elements, which will not be elaborated here.

[0152] 4. Frequency domain resource set.

[0153] A frequency domain resource set refers to a collection of one or more frequency domain resources. A frequency domain resource set can support communication of a cell on frequency domain resources in at least one frequency band. That is, a frequency domain resource set includes one or more carriers within the same frequency band, or multiple carriers within multiple frequency bands. A frequency domain resource can include one or more component carriers (CCs), in which case a frequency domain resource set can include one or more carriers. It is understood that a frequency domain resource set can also be called a uni-carrier, or other possible names, which will not be elaborated further.

[0154] A frequency band can refer to a segment of frequency domain resources, which may include contiguous resources or discontinuous resources. Optionally, the frequency band in this application may be the operating band defined by the NR protocol in the prior art, or it may be a portion of the frequency domain resources within the operating band.

[0155] In a communication system, one or more frequency domain resource sets can be configured. For example, as shown in Figure 4, an access network device can be configured with three frequency domain resource sets: frequency domain resource set 0, frequency domain resource set 1, and frequency domain resource set 2. Frequency domain resource set 0 can include multiple frequency domain resources, frequency domain resource set 1 can include multiple frequency domain resources, and frequency domain resource set 2 can include multiple frequency domain resources. The same frequency domain resource set is configured using the same information or signaling. For example, the same frequency domain resource set can be configured using the same system information. When multiple frequency domain resource sets are configured in a communication system, they can be configured using the same information or signaling.

[0156] Optionally, frequency domain resources within the same frequency domain resource set are equivalent to a logical carrier. For example, frequency domain resources within the same set can share a single radio frequency channel, and / or the signals carried by frequency domain resources within the same set can be used together for FFT operations. Referring to frequency domain resource sets 0 to 2 in Figure 4 above, frequency domain resource set 0 is equivalent to a logical carrier, frequency domain resource set 1 is equivalent to a logical carrier, and frequency domain resource set 2 is equivalent to a logical carrier. It should be understood that some frequency domain resources within a frequency domain resource set can also be equivalent to a logical carrier.

[0157] Optionally, frequency domain resource sets can be divided according to the frequency band or frequency range in which the frequency domain resources are located. Taking CCs as an example, multiple CCs within frequency range 1 (FR1) form a frequency domain resource set, multiple CCs within frequency range 2 (FR2) form a frequency domain resource set, and multiple CCs within frequency range 3 (FR3) form a frequency domain resource set. The frequency range of FR1 is 450 MHz to 6000 MHz. FR1 can also be referred to as the 6 GHz (Sub-6 GHz) band. The frequency range of FR2 is 24250 MHz to 52600 MHz. FR2 is often referred to as the millimeter wave (mmWave) band. The frequency range of FR3 is 6000 MHz to 24250 MHz. FR3 is the band between FR1 and FR2, and is often referred to as the 24 GHz (Sub-24 GHz) band. It is understood that the frequency domain resource allocation method described here is only for illustrative purposes. In actual implementation, the same frequency domain resource set may also include CCs from different frequency ranges, or the same frequency domain resource set may include some CCs from the same frequency range. It is understood that each frequency range may include at least one frequency band.

[0158] For any two frequency domain resources in the same frequency domain resource set, they can be co-located (i.e. used for communication between the same access network device and terminal device) or non-co-located (i.e. used for communication between different access network devices and terminal devices).

[0159] 5. Carrier aggregation (CA).

[0160] Carrier aggregation provides greater bandwidth to a single terminal device by aggregating multiple carrier aggregation (CCs). This allows the terminal device to enjoy bandwidth equal to the total bandwidth of all CCs, thereby increasing peak rates.

[0161] CA can be applied to 3CC aggregation scenarios. In this case, a terminal device is served by three carriers simultaneously, one of which is the primary component carrier (PCC), and the other two are secondary component carriers (SCCs). The cell where the PCC is located is called the primary cell (PCell), and the cell where the SCC is located is called the secondary cell (SCell).

[0162] Based on whether the aggregated multiple CCs belong to the same frequency band and are continuous in the frequency domain, CA can be divided into the following categories: (1) Intra-band contiguous CA, where multiple CCs belong to the same frequency band and are continuous in the frequency domain. (2) Intra-band non-contiguous CA, where multiple CCs belong to the same frequency band but are not continuous in the frequency domain. (3) Inter-band CA, where multiple CCs belong to different frequency bands. In this case, the multiple CCs are usually not continuous in the frequency domain.

[0163] In wireless communication systems, access network equipment can configure carriers for communication on terminal equipment, which can then communicate on the frequency domain resources configured by the access network equipment. In this frequency domain resource configuration scheme, each operator's terminal equipment needs to have its own frequency domain resources configured. For example, terminal equipment for operator A might have its frequency domain resources configured using a single configuration message. This leads to a lack of flexibility in resource management.

[0164] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. In this method, an access network device can configure a frequency domain resource set for a terminal device and indicate the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the set. The terminal device can then communicate on at least a portion of the frequency domain resources in the access network-configured set that share the same operator as its corresponding operator. This improves the flexibility and efficiency of spectrum usage.

[0165] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0166] It should be noted that the communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied between any two devices shown in Figure 1, such as between a terminal device and a network device. For specific implementation, please refer to the following method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0167] It should be noted that the solutions in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other communication systems, and the corresponding names can be replaced by the names of the corresponding functions in other communication systems.

[0168] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 5.

[0169] For example, Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication method can be applied to communication between a first communication device (the terminal device shown in Figure 1) and a second communication device (the access network device shown in Figure 1). For ease of understanding, the following embodiments will use the first communication device as the first terminal device and the second communication device as the access network device as examples.

[0170] As shown in Figure 5, the communication method includes:

[0171] S501, the access network device generates the first information.

[0172] The first information is used to determine the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, which includes at least two frequency domain resources.

[0173] Optionally, the first information can also be used to obtain the first frequency domain resource set.

[0174] The operator corresponding to a frequency domain resource refers to the operator that can provide communication services to terminal devices through that frequency domain resource. For a single frequency domain resource, there can be one or more corresponding operators. When a frequency domain resource corresponds to only one operator, it can be called a dedicated frequency domain resource. For example, if a frequency domain resource corresponds to operator A, then that frequency domain resource is dedicated to operator A. Similarly, if a frequency domain resource corresponds to operator B, then that frequency domain resource is dedicated to operator B. When a frequency domain resource corresponds to multiple operators, it can be called a shared frequency domain resource. For example, if a frequency domain resource corresponds to both operator A and operator B, then that frequency domain resource is shared by both operators A and B.

[0175] In one possible implementation, the first frequency domain resource set includes frequency domain resources located in a first frequency band and / or frequency domain resources in a second frequency band, wherein the first frequency band corresponds to at least two operators and the second frequency band corresponds to one operator.

[0176] In this context, "the first frequency band corresponding to at least two operators" means that the frequency domain resources within the first frequency band correspond to at least two operators, and these resources can be used for communication between at least two operators and terminal devices. In other words, the frequency domain resources within the first frequency band are shared by at least two operators, or the first frequency band is the frequency band containing frequency domain resources shared by at least two operators. "The second frequency band corresponding to one operator" means that the frequency domain resources within the second frequency band correspond to one operator, and these resources are used only for communication between that operator and the terminal device. In other words, the frequency domain resources within the second frequency band are dedicated to one operator, or the second frequency band is the frequency band containing frequency domain resources dedicated to one operator. The following explanation of the frequency domain resources in the first frequency domain resource set, with reference to Figure 6, further clarifies this. As shown in Figure 6(a), the first frequency domain resource set includes frequency domain resources shared by at least two operators; or as shown in Figure 6(b), the first frequency domain resource set includes frequency domain resources dedicated to one operator; or as shown in Figure 6(c), the first frequency domain resource set includes frequency domain resources shared by at least two operators and frequency domain resources dedicated to one operator.

[0177] Thus, when the first frequency domain resource set includes frequency domain resources located in the second frequency band, the first terminal device can communicate on the frequency domain resources of the second frequency band, reducing interference from other terminal devices to the first terminal device, thereby improving spectrum efficiency and reducing power consumption.

[0178] Optionally, the operators corresponding to frequency domain resources in different frequency ranges within the first frequency band can be the same or different. Similarly, the operators corresponding to frequency domain resources in different frequency ranges within the second frequency band can be the same or different.

[0179] It is understood that at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set corresponds to an operator that includes the operator corresponding to the first terminal device. For example, there are frequency domain resources located in the first frequency band whose corresponding operators include the operator corresponding to the first terminal device, and / or, there are frequency domain resources located in the second frequency band whose corresponding operators are the operators corresponding to the first terminal device. When the first frequency domain resource set includes frequency domain resources located in the first frequency band, there are frequency domain resources in the first frequency domain resource set whose corresponding operators include the operator corresponding to the first terminal device. When the first frequency domain resource set includes frequency domain resources located in the second frequency band, there are frequency domain resources in the first frequency domain resource set whose corresponding operators are the same as the operator corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0180] In one possible implementation, the first frequency domain resource set includes both first frequency domain resources and second frequency domain resources. The implementation of "the first frequency domain resource set including both first frequency domain resources and second frequency domain resources" will be discussed below and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0181] In one possible implementation, the first information can also be used to determine the first frequency domain resource set, and may include: the first information can be used to indicate each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set. For example, the first information may include an identifier for each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set. In this case, the first frequency domain resource set can be determined based on the identifier of each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set.

[0182] In one possible implementation, the frequency domain resource set can be pre-configured in the first terminal device and the access network device. The first information can also be used to obtain the first frequency domain resource set, and may include: the first information can be used to indicate the frequency domain resource set identifier of the first frequency domain resource set. In this case, the first frequency domain resource set can be obtained based on the identifier of the first frequency domain resource set.

[0183] In one possible implementation, the first information, used to determine the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, may include: the first information indicating the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set. That is, the operators corresponding to the frequency domain resources in the first frequency domain resource set are configured according to the granularity of the frequency domain resource set. In this way, operators corresponding to multiple frequency domain resources can be indicated by the same information, thereby simplifying the first information and reducing overhead.

[0184] It should be understood that, if the operators corresponding to the frequency domain resources in the first frequency domain resource set are the same, the operators corresponding to the frequency domain resources in the first frequency domain resource set can be configured according to the granularity of the frequency domain resource set.

[0185] In one possible implementation, the first information is used to determine the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, and may include: the first information is used to indicate whether the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set includes the operator corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0186] The following examples, using methods 1 to 4 respectively, illustrate how the first information indicates the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set.

[0187] Method 1: Indicate the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set through a bitmap.

[0188] In some examples, one bit in the bitmap corresponds to one operator. The correspondence between each bit in the bitmap and the operator can be agreed upon by a protocol or determined jointly by the terminal device and the access network equipment. For example, a bit of "0" for an operator indicates that the operator is not the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set, while a bit of "1" for an operator indicates that the operator is the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set.

[0189] Taking operators A, B, and C as examples, the bitmap corresponding to a frequency domain resource set includes 3 bits, corresponding to operators A, B, and C respectively. The relationship between the bitmap and the operators corresponding to the frequency domain resource set is shown in Table 3 below.

[0190] Table 3

[0191] Referring to Table 3, if the bit map of the first frequency domain resource set indicated by the access network device is 010, it indicates that the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set is operator B; or, if the bit map of the first frequency domain resource set indicated by the access network device is 110, it indicates that the operators corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set are operator A and operator B, and so on.

[0192] In other examples, the access network device may use a single bit to indicate whether the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set is the same operator as the operator corresponding to the first terminal device, or whether the operators corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set include the operator corresponding to the first terminal device. For example, a bit of "0" indicates that the operator corresponding to the terminal device is not the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set, or that the operators corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set do not include the operator corresponding to the first terminal device; a bit of "1" indicates that the operator corresponding to the first terminal device is the same operator as the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set, or that the operators corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set include the operator corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0193] For example, if the bit corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set indicated by the access network device is "1", it indicates that the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set includes the operator corresponding to the first terminal device; or, if the bit corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set indicated by the access network device is "0", it indicates that the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set does not include the operator corresponding to the first terminal device, and so on.

[0194] Method 2 involves using numerical values, such as binary values, to indicate the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set. In this case, there is a correspondence between the numerical values, such as binary values, and the operators corresponding to the frequency domain resource sets.

[0195] The following examples illustrate this using operators A, B, and C. The frequency domain resource sets corresponding to different operators can be indicated by different binary values. The relationship between the binary values ​​and the operators corresponding to the frequency domain resource sets they indicate is shown in Table 4 below.

[0196] Table 4

[0197] It is understandable that the relationship between binary values ​​and the corresponding operators in the frequency domain resource sets in Table 4 above is for illustrative purposes. In actual implementation, there may be other correspondences between binary values ​​and the corresponding operators in the frequency domain resource sets. When there are fewer or more operators, the implementation method is similar to that in Table 4 and will not be elaborated further.

[0198] Method 3: Indicate the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set through a Boolean value.

[0199] In some examples, the access network device may carry information in the first information indicating whether the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set is the operator corresponding to the terminal device, or it may carry information in the first information indicating whether the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set includes the operator corresponding to the terminal device. If the operator corresponding to the terminal device is the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set, or if the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set includes the operator corresponding to the terminal device, then the Boolean value corresponding to that operator is "true". If the operator corresponding to the terminal device is not the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set, or if the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set does not include the operator corresponding to the terminal device, then the Boolean value corresponding to that operator is "false".

[0200] In some examples, the access network device may carry a Boolean value in the first information indicating whether each operator is an operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set. If an operator is an operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set, the Boolean value corresponding to that operator is "true". If an operator is not an operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set, the Boolean value corresponding to that operator is "false".

[0201] Method 4: Indicate the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set by indicating the operator's identifier. For example, the identifier of the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set is carried in the first information by specifying the position (e.g., bit) in the first information through the protocol.

[0202] The operator's identifier can be a PLMN identity (PLMN ID).

[0203] Optionally, the identifier of the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set may include one or more identifiers.

[0204] In one possible implementation, the first information is used to determine the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set. This can include: the first information indicating the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set. That is, the operators corresponding to the frequency domain resources in the first frequency domain resource set are configured according to the granularity of the frequency domain resources. Thus, indicating the corresponding operator separately for each frequency domain resource makes the operation of the corresponding operators more flexible. In this case, each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set corresponds to one or more operators, and the operators corresponding to different frequency domain resources in the first frequency domain resource set can be the same or different. The following examples, using methods 5 to 8, illustrate how the first information indicates the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set.

[0205] Method 5 uses a bitmap to indicate the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set.

[0206] In some examples, a frequency domain resource corresponds to a bitmap, and each bit in the bitmap corresponds to an operator. The correspondence between each bit in the bitmap and the operator can be agreed upon by a protocol or determined jointly by the terminal device and the access network equipment. For example, suppose a bit corresponding to an operator is "0" indicating that the operator is not the operator corresponding to the frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, and a bit corresponding to an operator is "1" indicating that the operator is the operator corresponding to the frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set. Taking operators A, B, and C as examples, the bitmap corresponding to a frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set includes 3 bits, corresponding to operators A, B, and C respectively. The relationship between the bitmap and the operators corresponding to the frequency domain resources is shown in Table 5 below.

[0207] Table 5

[0208] Referring to Table 5, if the bit map of the frequency domain resource indicated by the access network device is 010, it indicates that the operator corresponding to the frequency domain resource is operator B; or, if the bit map of the frequency domain resource indicated by the access network device is 110, it indicates that the operator corresponding to the frequency domain resource is operator A and operator B, and so on.

[0209] In some examples, in the bitmap used to indicate the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource, the access network device can use a single bit in the bitmap to indicate whether the operator corresponding to a frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set is the same operator as the operator corresponding to the first terminal device, or whether the operator corresponding to a frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set includes the operator corresponding to the first terminal device. For example, one bit in the bitmap corresponds to one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set. The correspondence between each bit in the bitmap and the operator can be agreed upon by a protocol or determined jointly by the terminal device and the access network device. For example, a bit of "0" corresponding to a frequency domain resource indicates that the operator corresponding to the terminal device is not the operator corresponding to that frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, or that the operators corresponding to that frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set do not include the operator corresponding to the terminal device; a bit of "1" indicates that the operator corresponding to the terminal device is the operator corresponding to that frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, or that the operators corresponding to that frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set include the operator corresponding to the terminal device.

[0210] For example, the first frequency domain resource set includes four frequency domain resources, and the bit map includes four bits, with one bit corresponding to one frequency domain resource. If the bit map of the frequency domain resource indicated by the access network device is 1100, it indicates that the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource and the operator corresponding to the second frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set both include the operator corresponding to the first terminal device; or, if the bit map of the frequency domain resource indicated by the access network device is 0110, it indicates that the operator corresponding to the second frequency domain resource and the operator corresponding to the third frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set both include the operator corresponding to the first terminal device, and so on.

[0211] Method 6 uses numerical values, such as binary values, to indicate the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set. In this case, there is a correspondence between the numerical values, such as binary values, and the operators corresponding to the frequency domain resources. The following examples using operators A, B, and C illustrate this. Frequency domain resources corresponding to different operators can be indicated by different binary values. The relationship between the binary values ​​and the operators corresponding to the frequency domain resources indicated by the binary values ​​is shown in Table 6 below.

[0212] Table 6

[0213] It is understandable that the relationship between binary values ​​and the corresponding operators of frequency domain resources in Table 6 above is for illustrative purposes. In actual implementation, there may be other correspondences between binary values ​​and the corresponding operators of frequency domain resources. When there are fewer or more operators, the implementation method is similar to that in Table 6 and will not be elaborated further.

[0214] Method 7 uses a Boolean value to indicate the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set.

[0215] In some examples, for each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, the first information may carry an indication of whether the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set is the operator corresponding to the first terminal device, or whether the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set includes the operator corresponding to the first terminal device. If the operator corresponding to a frequency domain resource is the operator corresponding to the first terminal device, or if the operator corresponding to a frequency domain resource includes the operator corresponding to the first terminal device, then the Boolean value corresponding to that frequency domain resource is "true". If the operator corresponding to a frequency domain resource is not the operator corresponding to the first terminal device, or if the operator corresponding to a frequency domain resource does not include the operator corresponding to the first terminal device, then the Boolean value corresponding to that frequency domain resource is "false".

[0216] In some examples, the access network device may carry a Boolean value in the first information indicating whether each operator is an operator corresponding to a resource in the first frequency domain resource set. If an operator is an operator corresponding to a frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, the Boolean value corresponding to that operator is "true". If an operator is not an operator corresponding to a frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, the Boolean value corresponding to that operator is "false".

[0217] Method 8 indicates the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set by indicating the operator's identifier corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set. For example, the location of the operator's identifier corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set can be agreed upon by the protocol, so that the operator's identifier corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set is carried at that location.

[0218] It is understood that the operator's identifier in this application embodiment can be a unique operator identifier or an operator identifier shared by multiple operators (also known as a virtual operator identifier). The operator identifier shared by multiple operators can be a virtual PLMN ID.

[0219] S502, the access network device sends the first information.

[0220] Accordingly, the first terminal device receives the first information.

[0221] Optionally, the first information can be carried in system information (SI), such as in system information block 1 (SIB). It is understood that carrying the first information in SIB1 is for illustrative purposes; in actual implementation, the first information can also be carried in other system information blocks within the system information, or in other possible messages outside of the system information, which will not be elaborated further.

[0222] Optionally, the first information can be carried in higher-level signaling, such as RRC signaling or MAC CE signaling.

[0223] Optionally, the first message can be a broadcast message or a private message for the first terminal device. In some examples, the system message can be a broadcast message.

[0224] S503, the first terminal device communicates on at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set.

[0225] At least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set corresponds to an operator including the operator corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0226] In other words, the operator corresponding to at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set includes the operator corresponding to the first terminal device. For example, the operator corresponding to at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set may be the operator corresponding to the first terminal device and other operators besides the operator corresponding to the first terminal device. In other words, the first frequency domain resource set includes frequency domain resources shared by the operator corresponding to the first terminal device and other operators; and / or, the operator corresponding to at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set may be the operator corresponding to the first terminal device, i.e., the first frequency domain resource set includes frequency domain resources dedicated to the operator corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0227] Optionally, at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set can be determined by the first terminal device based on the first information and the operator corresponding to the first terminal device. For specific implementation, refer to S504 to S505 below. Alternatively, if the operators corresponding to all frequency domain resources in the first frequency domain resource set include the operator corresponding to the first terminal device, at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set can include all frequency domain resources in the first frequency domain resource set. In this case, S504 and S505 do not need to be executed.

[0228] Based on the communication method provided in Figure 5, the first terminal device can determine the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, and communicate on the frequency domain resources of the operators corresponding to the operators in the first frequency domain resource set, including the operator corresponding to the first terminal device. In other words, the resources used for communication can be selected from the first frequency domain resource set according to the operator corresponding to the first terminal device. That is, the frequency domain resources actually used can be selected from the frequency domain resources configured in the access network equipment, making the utilization of frequency domain resources more flexible.

[0229] In one possible implementation, the method shown in Figure 5 further includes:

[0230] S504, determine the available frequency domain resources for the first terminal device based on the operator corresponding to the first terminal device and the operators corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set.

[0231] The frequency domain resources available to the first terminal device refer to the frequency domain resources that the first terminal device can use for communication, and the operators corresponding to the frequency domain resources available to the first terminal device include the operators corresponding to the first terminal device. Through S504, the frequency domain resources available to the first terminal device in the first frequency domain resource set can be determined.

[0232] In this way, the first terminal device can communicate on the frequency domain resources available to the first terminal device in the first frequency domain resource set, thereby improving communication performance.

[0233] S505, determine at least one frequency domain resource from the first frequency domain resource set from the frequency domain resources available to the first terminal device.

[0234] Optionally, at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set belongs to the frequency domain resources available to the first terminal device.

[0235] It is understood that if the first terminal device has only one available frequency domain resource, then the first terminal device has at least one available frequency domain resource. In this case, S505 does not need to be executed.

[0236] The following example, using the first frequency domain resource set, illustrates at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set.

[0237] Assume that the first frequency domain resource set includes frequency domain resources 0 to 5, and the operator corresponding to the first terminal device is operator A. The correspondence between each frequency domain resource in frequency domain resources 0 to 5 and the operator is shown in Table 7 below.

[0238] Table 7

[0239] As shown in Table 7, the operators corresponding to frequency domain resources 0, 1, 4, and 5 in the first frequency domain resource set all include the operator corresponding to the first terminal device. That is, the frequency domain resources available to the first terminal device include: frequency domain resources 0, 1, 4, and 5.

[0240] As shown in Table 7, for the terminal device corresponding to operator A, the available frequency domain resources include: frequency domain resource 0, frequency domain resource 1, frequency domain resource 4, and frequency domain resource 5. For the terminal device corresponding to operator B, the available frequency domain resources include: frequency domain resource 2, frequency domain resource 3, frequency domain resource 4, and frequency domain resource 5.

[0241] Optionally, at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set belongs to or is included in the first frequency domain resource set, or in other words, at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set is at least a portion of the frequency domain resources available to the first terminal device in the first frequency domain resource set.

[0242] For example, taking the frequency domain resources in Table 7 as examples, at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set is one or more of the following: frequency domain resource 0, frequency domain resource 1, frequency domain resource 4 and frequency domain resource 5.

[0243] Optionally, at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set belongs to or is included in the frequency domain resources available to the first terminal device in the first frequency domain resource set, and at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set belongs to or is included in the frequency domain resources that have been enabled in the first frequency domain resource set. The enabling or disabling of frequency domain resources can be indicated by the access network device.

[0244] When the number of terminal devices (users) is small and / or service demand is low, access network equipment can prioritize enabling operator-shared capacity frequency domain resources. By configuring terminal devices from different operators to communicate on these shared resources, the operating bandwidth of the access network equipment can be reduced. Conversely, access network equipment can disable operator-dedicated capacity frequency domain resources, thereby reducing energy consumption on dedicated spectrum and achieving network energy saving. In other words, access network equipment can prioritize enabling operator-shared capacity frequency domain resources. In some examples, access network equipment can instruct the activation of capacity frequency domain resources by sending signaling (such as higher-layer signaling or physical layer signaling). Access network equipment can also disable operator-dedicated capacity frequency domain resources, or in other words, it can prioritize deactivating operator-shared capacity frequency domain resources. In some examples, access network equipment can instruct the deactivation of capacity frequency domain resources by sending signaling (such as higher-layer signaling or physical layer signaling).

[0245] "Open" can also be understood as "activate" or "enable," and "close" can also be understood as "deactivate" or "de-enable," which will not be elaborated further.

[0246] As mentioned earlier, "the first frequency domain resource set includes first frequency domain resources and second frequency domain resources". The first frequency domain resources and second frequency domain resources will be explained below.

[0247] In one possible implementation, the first frequency domain resource is used for access control of the terminal device. As an example, the first frequency domain resource is used to carry at least one of the following: information for residing, paging messages, low-power wake-up signals, or uplink wake-up signals. Thus, by setting the first frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, when there is no service data transmission requirement, the first terminal device can maintain the communication link connection state only on the first frequency domain resource, maintaining synchronous access with the access network equipment. This achieves energy saving for the terminal device and allows for rapid restoration of the data transmission mode when data transmission is required, improving communication performance. When there is a data transmission requirement, the first terminal device can transmit data with the access network equipment on the second frequency domain resource or on the first frequency domain resource, achieving fast and efficient communication.

[0248] When the first frequency domain resource is used for access control of the terminal device, it can also be understood as the frequency domain resource used to meet the coverage performance requirements of the terminal device. The second frequency domain resource is used to carry service data. For example, the second frequency domain resource is used to carry a data channel. In this case, the first frequency domain resource can also be called the anchor frequency domain resource or the coverage frequency domain resource. The second frequency domain resource can be called the capacity frequency domain resource. In some examples, the information used for camping can be synchronization information, random access requests, or random access preambles.

[0249] When the first frequency domain resource is used for access control of the terminal device, optionally, the first frequency domain resource may include frequency domain resources (also referred to as downlink anchor frequency domain resources) used to carry downlink signals in the access control process, and / or frequency domain resources (also referred to as uplink anchor frequency domain resources) used to carry uplink signals in the access control process. As an example, when the first frequency domain resource is a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) frequency domain resource, i.e., when uplink and downlink use frequency division, the first frequency domain resource may include uplink anchor frequency domain resources and / or downlink anchor frequency domain resources. It is understood that in time division multiplexing (TDM), i.e., when uplink and downlink use time division, the first frequency domain resource may also include uplink anchor frequency domain resources and downlink anchor frequency domain resources. For example, the functions of the uplink anchor frequency domain resources and the downlink anchor frequency domain resources can be implemented through resources at different frequency domain positions (i.e., different frequency domain resources) on the first frequency domain resource, and / or resources at different time domain positions (i.e., different time domain resources).

[0250] The second frequency domain resource may include frequency domain resources for uplink transmission and / or frequency domain resources for downlink transmission. As an example, when the second frequency domain resource is an FDM frequency domain resource, it may include frequency domain resources for uplink transmission and / or frequency domain resources for downlink transmission. It is understood that in TDM, the second frequency domain resource may also include frequency domain resources for uplink transmission and frequency domain resources for downlink transmission. For example, the frequency domain resources for uplink transmission and the frequency domain resources for downlink transmission may be resources at different time domain locations on the same frequency domain resource (i.e., different time domain resources), and / or resources at different frequency domain locations (i.e., different frequency domain resources).

[0251] Optionally, the first frequency domain resource may be for access control of one operator, or it may be for access control of multiple operators. Similarly, the second frequency domain resource may be used to carry service data of one operator, or it may be used to carry service data of multiple operators. For a terminal device, the first frequency domain resource of the terminal device is the first frequency domain resource of the operator corresponding to the terminal device. In this case, as an example, the first information is also used to indicate the first frequency domain resource of the first terminal device. In some examples, the first frequency domain resource of the first terminal device may be a frequency domain resource in a set of first frequency domain resources.

[0252] For example, the first information is used to indicate the frequency domain resource identifier of the first frequency domain resource of the first terminal device. The first terminal device determines its first frequency domain resource based on the first information. For instance, the first frequency domain resource set includes four frequency domain resources, with corresponding frequency domain resource identifiers of 0 to 3. The access network device can indicate that the frequency domain resource identifier of the first frequency domain resource of the first terminal device is 0, in which case the first frequency domain resource of the first terminal device is the first frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set.

[0253] For example, the first information may use multiple bits to indicate the first frequency domain resources of different operators, where each operator's first frequency domain resource may correspond to one bit. The bit used to indicate each operator can be agreed upon through a protocol.

[0254] As an example, the first frequency domain resource of the first terminal device may be determined according to predefined rules. For instance, the first frequency domain resource of the first terminal device may be the frequency domain resource with the lowest frequency among the available frequency domain resources of the first terminal device.

[0255] Optionally, the frequency of the first frequency domain resource is lower than the frequency of the second frequency domain resource. Since the amount of data used for stationary information, paging messages, low-power wake-up signals, or uplink wake-up signals is relatively small, using a lower frequency for transmission can reduce power consumption. Because the coverage area corresponding to a lower frequency is larger than that corresponding to a higher frequency, a lower frequency in the first frequency domain resource can achieve a larger coverage area. This means that terminal devices within this coverage area can all perform access control on the first frequency domain resource, improving communication efficiency and achieving network energy saving. Since the transmission rate is higher on higher frequency domain resources, transmitting service data on the second frequency domain resource can improve communication efficiency.

[0256] It is understandable that in some other examples, the frequency of the first frequency domain resource may also be greater than or equal to the frequency of the second frequency domain resource. It should be understood that the frequency of a frequency domain resource refers to its center frequency, minimum frequency, or maximum frequency.

[0257] Optionally, the first frequency domain resource is located within a first frequency band, which corresponds to at least two operators; that is, the first frequency domain resource is a frequency domain resource shared by the operators. This can also be understood as the first frequency domain resource being a frequency domain resource shared by at least two operators, or the anchor frequency domain resource being a frequency domain resource shared by at least two operators. On the one hand, terminal devices corresponding to at least two operators can share the same frequency domain resource for access, thereby reducing operating frequencies and lowering overhead in the communication system. On the other hand, when the number of terminal devices is small or service demand is low, the access network equipment can configure terminal devices from different operators to communicate on the same frequency domain resource, thereby shutting down operator-dedicated spectrum, achieving network energy saving, and reducing the energy consumption of the access network equipment. Referring to the example in Figure 6(a) above, the first frequency domain resource can be one or more frequency domain resources in the first frequency domain resource set; or, referring to the example in Figure 6(c) above, the first frequency domain resource can be one or more frequency domain resources from the third to the fifth frequency domain resources in the first frequency domain resource set. In some examples, the at least two operators corresponding to the first frequency band include the operator corresponding to the first terminal device. In other examples, the at least two operators corresponding to the first frequency domain resource include operators other than the operator corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0258] Optionally, the first frequency domain resource is located within the second frequency band, which corresponds to one operator. This means the first frequency domain resource is a dedicated operator-specific resource, or the anchor frequency domain resource is a dedicated operator-specific resource. In this way, the access network equipment can determine the communication / access requirements of the terminal devices corresponding to each operator, and can implement access network control for the basic services of each operator on the operator-specific spectrum, thereby improving the access performance of the terminal devices of each operator. Referring to the example in Figure 6(b), the first frequency domain resource can be one or more frequency domain resources from the first to the fifth frequency domain resources in the first frequency domain resource set. Referring to the example in Figure 6(c), the first frequency domain resource can be one or both of the first or second frequency domain resources in the first frequency domain resource set. In some examples, the operator corresponding to the second frequency band can be the operator corresponding to the first terminal device. In other examples, the operator corresponding to the second frequency domain resource is an operator other than the operator corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0259] Optionally, the second frequency domain resource is located within the first frequency band, which corresponds to at least two operators. Alternatively, the second frequency domain resource can be understood as a frequency domain resource shared by multiple operators.

[0260] The first and second frequency domain resources can be relative to the operator (or the terminal device corresponding to the operator). For the same operator, the first and second frequency domain resources can come from the same access network equipment or from different access network equipment. For a terminal device, a set of frequency domain resources may contain the terminal device's first and / or second frequency domain resources, or it may not contain either the terminal device's first and second frequency domain resources.

[0261] For a terminal device, the first and second frequency domain resources of the terminal device can be determined based on the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the frequency domain resource set. Taking a first terminal device as an example, after receiving the first information, the first terminal device can determine the available frequency domain resources of the first terminal device from the first frequency domain resource set (the principle is described in S505). Based on the available frequency domain resources determined from the first frequency domain resource set and the first frequency domain resources indicated by the access network equipment, the second frequency domain resources of the first terminal device in the first frequency domain resource set can be determined.

[0262] Optionally, the second frequency domain resource of the first terminal device is the frequency domain resource other than the first frequency domain resource of the first terminal device among the available frequency domain resources determined by the first terminal device from the first frequency domain resource set.

[0263] Optionally, the second frequency domain resource may also include the first frequency domain resource, meaning the terminal device can also transmit data using the first frequency domain resource. For example, when the first frequency domain resource is used as a capacity frequency domain resource, the second frequency domain resource includes the first frequency domain resource.

[0264] It is understandable that the first frequency domain resource, i.e., the anchor frequency domain resource, can be the same or different for different operators (or for different terminal devices corresponding to different operators). In other words, the anchor frequency domain resource can be shared by different operators or configured according to each operator.

[0265] Understandably, in some possible implementations, the first frequency domain resource set may not distinguish between the first frequency domain resources (i.e., anchor frequency domain resources) and the second frequency domain resources (i.e., capacity frequency domain resources). Alternatively, the first frequency domain resource set may only include the second frequency domain resources (i.e., capacity frequency domain resources).

[0266] For a given terminal device, the anchor frequency domain resources and capacity frequency domain resources can come from different access network devices.

[0267] Alternatively, anchor frequency domain resources can also be called anchor CCs or coverage CCs. Capacity frequency domain resources can also be called capacity CCs.

[0268] In a possible implementation, the operator corresponding to the first frequency-domain resource is different from the operator corresponding to the second frequency-domain resource. At this time, the first frequency-domain resource set includes the frequency-domain resources corresponding to each of the two operators.

[0269] Optionally, the first frequency-domain resource corresponds to the first operator, and the second frequency-domain resource corresponds to the second operator. In other words, the first frequency-domain resource is the frequency-domain resource dedicated to the first operator, and the second frequency-domain resource is the frequency-domain resource dedicated to the second operator. That is to say, the first frequency-domain resource set includes the frequency-domain resources dedicated to the first operator and the frequency-domain resources dedicated to the second operator. That is to say, frequency-domain resources corresponding to different operators can be configured in a frequency-domain resource set. Under this configuration method, different operators can correspond to the same configuration information. That is to say, frequency-domain resources are configured for different operators through the same configuration information, thereby reducing the signaling indication overhead.

[0270] It can be understood that in order to reduce the mutual interference between the terminal devices corresponding to different operators, when the first frequency-domain resource corresponds to the first operator and the second frequency-domain resource corresponds to the second operator, the frequency range of the first frequency-domain resource is different from the frequency range of the second frequency-domain resource. For example, the frequency range of the first frequency-domain resource is between frequency F1 and frequency F2, and the frequency range of the second frequency-domain resource is between F3 and F4, where F1 < F2 < F3 < F4, and F1, F2, F3, and F4 are all positive integers. It can be understood that the frequency ranges of the first frequency-domain resource and the second frequency-domain resource here are only for illustration. In actual implementation, there may be other possible implementation manners for the frequency ranges of the first frequency-domain resource and the second frequency-domain resource, which will not be elaborated.

[0271] The first operator can be the operator corresponding to the first terminal device, and the second operator is other operators except the operator corresponding to the first terminal device; or, the second operator is the operator corresponding to the first terminal device, and the first operator is other operators except the operator corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0272] Optionally, the first frequency-domain resource set may further include a third frequency-domain resource. The third frequency-domain resource corresponds to both the first operator and the second operator, that is, the third frequency-domain resource is the frequency-domain resource shared by the first operator and the second operator.

[0273] It is understood that the above example only uses two operators to illustrate the first frequency domain resource set. In actual implementation, the first frequency domain resource set may also include frequency domain resources corresponding to other operators (such as a third operator, a fourth operator, etc.), or frequency domain resources dedicated to other operators. The first frequency domain resource set may also include frequency domain resources corresponding to at least two other operators, such as frequency domain resources corresponding to the first and third operators (i.e., frequency domain resources shared by the first and third operators), frequency domain resources corresponding to the second and third operators (i.e., frequency domain resources shared by the second and third operators), and frequency domain resources corresponding to the first to third operators (i.e., frequency domain resources shared by the first, second, and third operators), which will not be elaborated further.

[0274] It is understandable that the operators corresponding to the frequency domain resources in the first frequency domain resource set include the first operator, that is, the operators corresponding to the frequency domain resources in the first frequency domain resource set are the first operator, or the operators corresponding to the frequency domain resources in the first frequency domain resource set are the first operator and other operators besides the first operator.

[0275] In the above embodiments, only the first frequency domain resource set is used as an example for illustration. In actual implementation, the access network device in the communication system can configure M frequency domain resource sets for the terminal device and send first information. The first information is used to determine the operator corresponding to the frequency domain resource in each of the M frequency domain resource sets. M is an integer greater than or equal to 1. At this time, when M=1, the M frequency domain resource sets are equivalent to the aforementioned first frequency domain resource set, and the operator corresponding to the frequency domain resource in each of the M frequency domain resource sets is equivalent to the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set. When M is greater than 1, the aforementioned first frequency domain resource set is one of the M frequency domain resource sets. Each of the M frequency domain resource sets can include at least two frequency domain resources, or, in addition to the first frequency domain resource set, there can also be a frequency domain resource set in the M frequency domain resource sets that includes one frequency domain resource. The implementation of each of the M frequency domain resource sets can be referred to the relevant introduction of the first frequency domain resource set. The implementation of the operator corresponding to the frequency domain resources in each of the M frequency domain resource sets can be referred to the relevant introduction of the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, and will not be elaborated here.

[0276] The following explains the operators corresponding to the frequency domain resources in the M frequency domain resource sets.

[0277] Optionally, within the M frequency domain resource sets, the frequency domain resources within the same set correspond to the same operator. That is, the frequency domain resources within the same set correspond to either the same operator or multiple operators. For example, taking operators A and B, and the M frequency domain resource sets 0, 1, and 2 as an example, as shown in Figure 7(a), the frequency domain resources in set 0 correspond to the same operator (e.g., operator A), the frequency domain resources in set 1 correspond to the same operator (e.g., operator B), and the frequency domain resources in set 2 correspond to the same operator (e.g., operators A and B). It can be understood that the correspondence between frequency domain resources and operators within these sets is used as an example. In actual implementation, if M is greater than or equal to 2, at least two frequency domain resource sets within the M sets may have the same operator for their frequency domain resources. As shown in Figure 7(b), taking operators A and B, and frequency domain resource sets 0 to 2 as examples, the operators corresponding to the frequency domain resources in frequency domain resource set 0 are the same as those corresponding to the frequency domain resources in frequency domain resource set 1, such as both being operator A. Similarly, the operators corresponding to the frequency domain resources in frequency domain resource set 2 are all the same, such as both operator A and operator B. Alternatively, optionally, at least one of the M frequency domain resource sets contains frequency domain resources that are different from the corresponding operators.

[0278] Optionally, among the M frequency domain resource sets, one frequency domain resource set includes frequency domain resources corresponding to a single operator, and at least two frequency domain resources correspond to different operators. For example, the first frequency domain resource set includes frequency domain resources corresponding to the first operator and frequency domain resources corresponding to the second operator. Taking operator A and operator B as an example, with M frequency domain resource sets including frequency domain resource set 0, frequency domain resource set 1, and frequency domain resource set 2, as shown in Figure 7(c), frequency domain resource set 0 includes frequency domain resources corresponding to operator A, frequency domain resource set 1 includes frequency domain resources corresponding to operator B, and frequency domain resource set 2 includes at least two of the following frequency domain resources: frequency domain resources corresponding to operator A, frequency domain resources corresponding to operator B, or frequency domain resources corresponding to both operator A and operator B. For example, frequency domain resource set 2 includes frequency domain resources corresponding to operator A, frequency domain resources corresponding to operator B, and frequency domain resources corresponding to both operator A and operator B.

[0279] The following describes the configuration method for the M frequency domain resource sets.

[0280] Optionally, the M frequency domain resource sets can be configured using the same configuration information.

[0281] In some examples, for terminal devices corresponding to multiple operators, M frequency domain resource sets can be configured using the same configuration information. In this case, the M frequency domain resource sets configured are the same for each terminal device of the multiple operators. For any one of the multiple operators, at least one frequency domain resource in the M frequency domain resource sets is a frequency domain resource corresponding to that operator. Taking operators A and B as examples, the terminal devices corresponding to operators A and B can configure frequency domain resource sets using configuration information 0. When the operators corresponding to the frequency domain resources in the same frequency domain resource set are the same, assuming that configuration information 0 configures frequency domain resource sets 0 to 3, then for the terminal devices corresponding to operators A and B, both frequency domain resource sets 0 to 3 are configured. At this time, the relationship between the terminal devices corresponding to the operators, the configuration information, and the frequency domain resource sets is shown in Table 8 below. The frequency domain resource sets configured by configuration information 0 are shown in Figure 8(a).

[0282] Table 8

[0283] Referring to Table 8, if the first terminal device is the terminal device corresponding to operator A, and the first frequency domain resource set is any one of the frequency domain resource sets from frequency domain resource set 0 to frequency domain resource set 2, then the first information may include configuration information 0. For the terminal device corresponding to operator B, the first information may include configuration information 0.

[0284] Optionally, different frequency domain resource sets for corresponding operators can be configured using different configuration information. The same configuration information can configure N frequency domain resource sets, where N is a positive integer less than or equal to M. Taking operators A and B as examples, and M frequency domain resource sets including frequency domain resource set 0 to frequency domain resource set 2, assuming that the frequency domain resources in frequency domain resource set 0 correspond to operator A, the frequency domain resources in frequency domain resource set 1 correspond to operator A, and the frequency domain resources in frequency domain resource set 2 correspond to operators A and B, then, for example, one configuration method is as follows: frequency domain resource sets 0 and 1 can be configured using configuration information 1, and frequency domain resource set 2 can be configured using configuration information 2. In this case, the relationship between the configuration information and the frequency domain resource sets is shown in Figure 8(b); or, another configuration method is as follows: for terminal devices of operator A, frequency domain resource sets 0, 1, and 2 can be configured using configuration information 1; for terminal devices of operator B, frequency domain resource set 2 can be configured using configuration information 2. The relationship between the terminal devices, configuration information, and frequency domain resource sets corresponding to the operators is shown in Table 9 below.

[0285] Table 9

[0286] Referring to Table 9, if the first terminal device is the terminal device corresponding to operator A, and the first frequency domain resource set is either frequency domain resource set 0 or frequency domain resource set 1, then the first information may include configuration information 1. If the first terminal device is the terminal device corresponding to operator A, and the first frequency domain resource set is frequency domain resource set 2, then the first information may include configuration information 2.

[0287] If the first terminal device is the terminal device corresponding to operator B, and the first frequency domain resource set is frequency domain resource set 2, then the first information may include configuration information 2. It can be understood that when the frequency domain resources in the same frequency domain resource set correspond to the same operator, different frequency domain resource sets of the corresponding operators can be configured using different configuration information.

[0288] Optionally, different frequency domain resource sets can be configured using different configuration information. Taking M frequency domain resource sets, including frequency domain resource set 0 to frequency domain resource set 2, as an example, each frequency domain resource set from frequency domain resource set 0 to frequency domain resource set 2 is configured using one configuration information. In this case, the relationship between the configuration information and the frequency domain resource set is shown in Figure 8(c).

[0289] The relationship between the terminal devices, configuration information, and frequency domain resource sets corresponding to the operators is shown in Table 10 below.

[0290] Table 10

[0291] Referring to Table 10, if the first terminal device is the terminal device corresponding to operator A, and the first frequency domain resource set is frequency domain resource set 0, then the first information may include configuration information 3. If the first terminal device is the terminal device corresponding to operator A, and the first frequency domain resource set is frequency domain resource set 2, then the first information may include configuration information 5.

[0292] If the first terminal device is the terminal device corresponding to operator B, and the first frequency domain resource set is frequency domain resource set 1, then the first information may include configuration information 4. If the first terminal device is the terminal device corresponding to operator B, and the first frequency domain resource set is frequency domain resource set 2, then the first information may include configuration information 5.

[0293] Optionally, the method provided in Figure 5 also includes S506.

[0294] S506, the access network device sends the second information. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the second information.

[0295] The second information is used to determine a second set of frequency domain resources, which includes at least one frequency domain resource.

[0296] Optionally, the second information may include configuration information used to configure the second frequency domain resource set.

[0297] When M frequency domain resource sets can be configured using the same configuration information, the configuration information used to configure the second frequency domain resource set can be the same as the configuration information used to configure the first frequency domain resource set. Referring to the example in Figure 8(a), assuming that the second frequency domain resource set is one of the frequency domain resource sets from frequency domain resource set 0 to frequency domain resource set 2 excluding the first frequency domain resource set, then the second information includes configuration information 0.

[0298] When different frequency domain resource sets of the corresponding operator can be configured with different configuration information, referring to Figure 8(b) as an example, if the second frequency domain resource set is frequency domain resource set 0 or frequency domain resource set 1, then the second information may include configuration information 1. If the second frequency domain resource set is frequency domain resource set 2, then the second information may include configuration information 2.

[0299] When different frequency domain resource sets can be configured with different configuration information, referring to Figure 8(c) as an example, if the second frequency domain resource set is frequency domain resource set 0, then the second information can include configuration information 3. If the second frequency domain resource set is frequency domain resource set 1, then the second information can include configuration information 4. If the second frequency domain resource set is frequency domain resource set 2, then the second information can include configuration information 5.

[0300] In this way, multiple frequency domain resource sets can be configured, and the first terminal device can communicate on the first frequency domain resource set and the second frequency domain resource set to achieve high-bandwidth, high-speed communication and improve communication performance.

[0301] The second frequency domain resource set is the set of frequency domain resources among the M frequency domain resource sets. The implementation of the second frequency domain resource set can refer to the relevant introduction of the first frequency domain resource set, and the implementation of the second information can refer to the implementation of the first information. The difference lies in that the frequency ranges of the frequency domain resources in the second frequency domain resource set are different from those in the first frequency domain resource set. Optionally, the operator corresponding to the second frequency domain resource set may include the operator corresponding to the first terminal device, or may not include the operator corresponding to the first terminal device; details will not be elaborated further.

[0302] It is understood that the second information and the first information can be the same information. In this case, the first information can also indicate other frequency domain resource sets besides the first and second frequency domain resource sets. For details on the implementation of other frequency domain resource sets indicated by the first information, please refer to the relevant introductions to the first or second frequency domain resource sets, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0303] Optionally, the operator corresponding to at least one frequency domain resource in the second frequency domain resource set includes the second operator.

[0304] For example, at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set corresponds to the first operator, and at least one frequency domain resource in the second frequency domain resource set corresponds to the second operator.

[0305] The second information and the first information can be different. In this case, optionally, the access network device can also configure other frequency domain resource sets besides the first and second frequency domain resource sets through other information. The implementation of other frequency domain resource sets can refer to the first or second frequency domain resource sets, and the implementation of the information of other frequency domain resource sets can refer to the first or second information, which will not be elaborated here.

[0306] When an access network device configures M frequency domain resource sets, it can also configure the first frequency domain resource (i.e., anchor frequency domain resource) corresponding to each of the M frequency domain resource sets and at least one operator. When the M frequency domain resource sets correspond to one configuration information, the access network device can indicate the first frequency domain resource (i.e., anchor frequency domain resource) in the M frequency domain resource sets through the configuration information used to configure the M frequency domain resources. Alternatively, when different frequency domain resource sets of corresponding operators can be configured with different configuration information, the access network device can configure the first frequency domain resource (i.e., anchor frequency domain resource) corresponding to the terminal device of each operator through the configuration information corresponding to each operator. Alternatively, when different frequency domain resource sets can be configured with different configuration information, the configuration information corresponding to the m-th frequency domain resource set can indicate the first frequency domain resource (i.e., anchor frequency domain resource) in the m-th frequency domain resource set. m is a positive integer less than or equal to M.

[0307] Optionally, when distinguishing between first frequency domain resources (i.e., anchor frequency domain resources) and second frequency domain resources (i.e., capacity frequency domain resources) in the M frequency domain resource sets, the frequency domain resource sets in the M frequency domain resource sets may include: frequency domain resources for uplink transmission, and / or frequency domain resources for downlink transmission. In some examples, when distinguishing between first frequency domain resources (i.e., anchor frequency domain resources) and second frequency domain resources (i.e., capacity frequency domain resources) in the M frequency domain resource sets, and where there are capacity frequency domain resources including frequency domain resources for uplink transmission and frequency domain resources for downlink transmission, the frequency domain resources for uplink transmission and the frequency domain resources for downlink transmission in the second frequency domain resources are different.

[0308] In one possible implementation, the method shown in Figure 5 further includes:

[0309] S507, the access network device sends third information. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the third information.

[0310] The third information is used to determine the frequency domain resources for communication after the terminal devices of one or more operators are woken up. For example, the third information is used to determine the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up, which include frequency domain resources located in the first frequency band or frequency domain resources located in the second frequency band.

[0311] In this way, after the first terminal device is woken up, it can communicate on the frequency domain resources indicated by the third information. It can indicate the frequency domain resources that meet the communication requirements and wake up on the frequency domain resources to communicate. This can realize the wake-up of spectrum resources on demand and improve communication performance.

[0312] The third piece of information could be a paging early indicator (PEI). This third piece of information is used as an example. The name PEI may be used in future standards or it may evolve, so it will not be elaborated here.

[0313] In some examples, the frequency domain resources used for communication after the first terminal device is woken up include frequency domain resources located in the first frequency band. In other words, the frequency domain resources used for communication after the first terminal device is woken up include the operator-specific frequency domain resources corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0314] The frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up include the frequency domain resources located in the second frequency band. In other words, the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up include the frequency domain resources shared by the operator corresponding to the first terminal device and other operators.

[0315] The third information will be illustrated below using the first terminal device as an example.

[0316] Optionally, there is a correspondence between the identifier of the terminal device set and the first frequency band or the second frequency band; wherein, the third information includes the identifier of the first terminal device set to which the first terminal device is located, and the frequency domain resources for communication performed by the first terminal device after being woken up are located in the frequency band corresponding to the identifier of the first terminal device set.

[0317] In this way, the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up can be determined by the set of terminal devices, which can reduce the amount of data of the third information and reduce the overhead.

[0318] The terminal devices included in a terminal device set can be defined by a protocol or configured by access network equipment. A single terminal device can belong to one terminal device set or multiple terminal device sets.

[0319] There is a correspondence between the identifier of the terminal device set and the first or second frequency band. This can also be understood as a correspondence between the identifier of the terminal device set and the communication mode of the terminal device after wake-up. The first terminal device determines the frequency domain resources for communication after wake-up based on the correspondence between the identifier of the terminal device set and the first or second frequency band, according to the identifier of the first terminal device set to which it belongs. The communication mode after wake-up includes Mode 1 and Mode 2. Mode 1 refers to communication on a spectrum shared by the operator after wake-up. Mode 2 refers to communication on a spectrum dedicated to the operator after wake-up. In another possible implementation, there may be a correspondence between the identifier of the terminal device set and the communication mode after wake-up. The communication mode after wake-up can be determined through third information, and the first terminal device can further determine the frequency domain resources for communication after wake-up based on the communication mode.

[0320] The following example, using a set of terminal devices as an example, illustrates the correspondence between the identifier of the set of terminal devices and the first or second frequency band, and how to determine the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up.

[0321] Assuming the terminal device is a UE, the set of terminal devices includes terminal device set 0 to terminal device set 3, where terminal device set 0 to terminal device set 3 and the terminal devices included in each set are shown in Table 11 below.

[0322] Table 11

[0323] Based on Table 11, the correspondence between the terminal device set, frequency band, and communication mode is shown in Table 12 below.

[0324] Table 12

[0325] Referring to Tables 11 and 12 above, if the set of first terminal devices to which the first terminal device indicated by the third information is located is terminal device set 0 or terminal device set 1, then the frequency domain resources for communication performed by the first terminal device after wake-up include frequency domain resources located in the first frequency band. If the set of first terminal devices to which the first terminal device indicated by the third information is located is terminal device set 2 or terminal device set 3, then the frequency domain resources for communication performed by the first terminal device after wake-up include frequency domain resources located in the second frequency band.

[0326] In some examples, a set of terminal devices may have two identifiers, one of which corresponds to a first frequency band (or mode 1), and the other of which corresponds to a second frequency band (or mode 2).

[0327] Assume that the terminal device set includes terminal device set 4 and terminal device set 5, and the correspondence between terminal device set 4, terminal device set 5 and identifier is shown in Table 13 below.

[0328] Table 13

[0329] The correspondence between the identifiers of the terminal device sets and the frequency bands and communication modes in Table 13 is shown in Table 14 below.

[0330] Table 14

[0331] Based on Tables 13 and 14 above, if the identifier of the first terminal device set to which the first terminal device indicated by the third information is identifier 40, then the frequency domain resources for communication performed by the first terminal device after wake-up include frequency domain resources located in the first frequency band; if the identifier of the first terminal device set to which the first terminal device indicated by the third information is identifier 41, then the frequency domain resources for communication performed by the first terminal device after wake-up include frequency domain resources located in the second frequency band; if the identifier of the first terminal device set to which the first terminal device indicated by the third information is identifier 50, then the frequency domain resources for communication performed by the first terminal device after wake-up include frequency domain resources located in the first frequency band.

[0332] It is understood that the identifier of the terminal device set can also be called the index of the terminal device set or other possible names, which will not be elaborated further. The correspondence between the identifier of the terminal device set and the first frequency band or the second frequency band can be agreed upon by a protocol or configured by the access network device for the terminal device. It is understood that the correspondence between the identifier of the terminal device set and the communication mode after the terminal device wakes up can be agreed upon by a protocol or configured by the access network device for the terminal device, and the correspondence between the communication mode after wake-up and the frequency band in which the communication takes place can also be agreed upon by a protocol or configured by the access network device for the terminal device. In the embodiments of this application, the protocol agreement can refer to the pre-configuration.

[0333] Optionally, when the third information is used to determine the frequency domain resources for communication after the terminal devices corresponding to multiple operators are woken up, the frequency domain resources for communication after the terminal devices corresponding to two operators are the same. It can be understood that in this case, the frequency domain resources for communication after the terminal devices corresponding to the two operators are shared by the two operators. Alternatively, the frequency domain resources for communication after the terminal devices corresponding to the two operators are also different. Taking frequency domain resource set 0 and frequency domain resource set 1 as examples, frequency domain resource set 0 includes frequency domain resources 0 to 4, and frequency domain resource set 1 includes frequency domain resources 5 to 9, as shown in Figure 9(a). The frequency domain resources for communication after the terminal device corresponding to operator A is frequency domain resource 0 in frequency domain resource set 0, and the frequency domain resources for communication after the terminal device corresponding to operator B is also frequency domain resource 0 in frequency domain resource set 0. That is, the frequency domain resources for communication after the terminal devices corresponding to operator A and operator B are the same. For example, as shown in Figure 9(b), the third information can indicate that the frequency domain resources for communication after the terminal device corresponding to operator A is woken up are frequency domain resources 0 in frequency domain resource set 0, and the frequency domain resources for communication after the terminal device corresponding to operator B is frequency domain resources 7 in frequency domain resource set 1. That is, the frequency domain resources for communication after the terminal devices corresponding to operator A and operator B are different.

[0334] Optionally, the third information is carried on frequency domain resources of the second frequency band. In other words, the third information is carried on operator-specific frequency domain resources. It can be understood that the operator-specific frequency domain resources carrying the third information are the operator-specific frequency domain resources corresponding to the first terminal device. In some examples, where the third information is used to determine the frequency domain resources for communication after multiple operator-corresponding terminal devices are woken up, the third information is carried in the frequency domain resources of the first frequency band.

[0335] Alternatively, the third information may be carried on frequency domain resources of the first frequency band. In other words, the third information is carried on frequency domain resources shared by multiple operators. This allows multiple operators to share access network equipment, which can then communicate only within the frequency domain resources of the first frequency band, achieving network energy savings and reducing power consumption on the network side. It is understood that the operators corresponding to the frequency domain resources carrying the third information include the operator corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0336] Optionally, the relationship between the frequency domain resources carrying the third information and the frequency domain resources used for communication after the terminal device is woken up may include one of the following relationships:

[0337] Relationship 1: The frequency domain resource carrying the third information and the frequency domain resource used for communication after the terminal device is woken up are the same frequency domain resource. Taking frequency domain resource set 0 and frequency domain resource set 1 as examples, as shown in Figure 10(a), frequency domain resource set 0 includes frequency domain resources 0 to 4. Assuming that the frequency domain resource carrying the third information is frequency domain resource 0, then the frequency domain resource used for communication after the terminal device is woken up is frequency domain resource 0.

[0338] Relationship 2: The frequency domain resource carrying the third information and the frequency domain resource used for communication after the terminal device is woken up are different frequency domain resources in the same set of frequency domain resources. Taking frequency domain resource set 0 and frequency domain resource set 1 as examples, as shown in Figure 10(b), frequency domain resource set 0 includes frequency domain resources 0 to 4. Assuming that the frequency domain resource carrying the third information is frequency domain resource 0, then the frequency domain resource used for communication after the terminal device is woken up can be any one of frequency domain resources 1 to 4, such as frequency domain resource 3.

[0339] Relationship 3: The frequency domain resources carrying the third information and the frequency domain resources used for communication after the terminal device is woken up are frequency domain resources from different frequency domain resource sets. Taking frequency domain resource set 0 and frequency domain resource set 1 as examples, as shown in Figure 10(c), frequency domain resource set 0 includes frequency domain resources 0 to 4, and frequency domain resource set 1 includes frequency domain resources 5 to 9. Assuming that the frequency domain resource carrying the third information is frequency domain resource 0, then the frequency domain resource used for communication after the terminal device is woken up can be any one of frequency domain resources 5 to 9, such as frequency domain resource 7.

[0340] In this way, frequency domain resources can be matched to the first terminal device after it is woken up for communication according to different scenarios, making the communication of the first terminal device more flexible.

[0341] It is understandable that, for different terminal devices, the relationship between the frequency domain resources carrying the third information and the frequency domain resources used for communication after the terminal device is woken up can be the same or different. It is also understandable that the number of frequency domain resources in each frequency domain resource set in Figures 6 to 10 is only for illustrative purposes; in actual implementation, the frequency domain resource set may include more or fewer frequency domain resources.

[0342] In one possible implementation, based on the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up, the first terminal device can communicate with the access network equipment.

[0343] In some examples, the method shown in Figure 5 may also include S508.

[0344] S508, the access network device sends information for waking up the first terminal device. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the information for waking up the first terminal device.

[0345] The information used to wake up the first terminal device can also be understood as the information used to wake up the first terminal device.

[0346] Optionally, the frequency domain resources carrying the information for waking up the first terminal device are determined based on the third information. As an example, the frequency domain resources carrying the information for waking up the first terminal device may be the frequency domain resources used for communication after the first terminal device is woken up, as indicated by the third information.

[0347] Optionally, the method provided in Figure 5 may further include: the first terminal device determining the frequency domain resources carrying information for waking up the first terminal device based on the third information. In this case, the first terminal device receiving the information for waking up the first terminal device includes: the first terminal device receiving the information for waking up the first terminal device on the frequency domain resources. For example, the first terminal device may use the frequency domain resources indicated by the third information for communication after the first terminal device is woken up as the frequency domain resources carrying the information for waking up the first terminal device. That is, the access network device sends the information for waking up the first terminal device on the frequency domain resources indicated by the third information for communication after the first terminal device is woken up, or in other words, the frequency domain resources carrying the information for waking up the first terminal device are the same as the frequency domain resources used by the access network device for communication after the first terminal device is woken up, as indicated by the third information.

[0348] Optionally, when the frequency domain resource carrying the information for waking up the first terminal device is the frequency domain resource for communication after the first terminal device is woken up, as indicated by the third information, the information for waking up the first terminal device is carried on the frequency domain resource for communication after the first terminal device is woken up; that is, the information for waking up the first terminal device is carried on the frequency domain resource indicated by the third information. In some examples, S508 may include: the access network device sending information for waking up the first terminal device on the frequency domain resource for communication after the first terminal device is woken up. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the information for waking up the first terminal device on the frequency domain resource for communication after the first terminal device is woken up.

[0349] Optionally, the information used to wake up the first terminal device may be a paging message, in which case the paging message is carried on the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up.

[0350] It is understandable that the information used to wake up the first terminal device could be other possible information or signaling, which will not be elaborated here.

[0351] The paging message is used to page the first terminal device. The following example illustrates the paging message.

[0352] Optionally, upon receiving a paging message, the first terminal device can parse the content of the paging message to determine whether the paging message is related to the first terminal device. For example, the first terminal device can detect whether the identifier in the paging message matches the identifier of the first terminal device. If the identifier in the paging message matches the identifier of the first terminal device, it indicates that the paging message is related to the first terminal device; if the identifier in the paging message does not match the identifier of the first terminal device, it indicates that the paging message is not related to the first terminal device.

[0353] In some examples, if the identifier in the paging message matches the identifier of the first terminal device, the first terminal device may perform at least one of the following operations: the first terminal device switches from idle mode to connected mode, the first terminal device initiates a random access procedure (such as sending a preamble through the physical random access channel (PRACH)), establishes an RRC connection, or receives downlink data or signaling.

[0354] It is understood that the operation performed by the first terminal device upon receiving the paging message in this embodiment is for illustrative purposes. In actual implementation, the first terminal device may also perform other operations based on the paging message, which will not be elaborated here.

[0355] It is understandable that the name of the paging message may be retained or changed in future protocol standards, which will not be elaborated here.

[0356] Paging messages can also be called paging information or other names, which will not be elaborated here.

[0357] In some possible embodiments, the access network device can configure frequency domain resources for communication after wake-up of one or more operator-corresponding terminal devices. The terminal device can determine its own frequency domain for communication after wake-up from the frequency domain resources configured by the access network device for communication after wake-up of one or more operator-corresponding terminal devices. The following description is in conjunction with Figure 11. As shown in Figure 11, the communication method includes:

[0358] S1101, the access network device generates third-party information.

[0359] The third piece of information is used to determine the frequency domain resources for communication after the terminal devices of one or more operators are woken up.

[0360] For details on the implementation of third information, please refer to the relevant introduction of third information in S507, which will not be elaborated here.

[0361] S1102, the access network device sends third information. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the third information.

[0362] For details on the implementation of S1102, please refer to the relevant introduction in S507, which will not be elaborated here.

[0363] S1103, the first terminal device determines the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up based on the third information.

[0364] Optionally, the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up are the frequency domain resources indicated by the third information for communication after the first terminal device is woken up.

[0365] In one possible implementation, based on the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up, the first terminal device can communicate with the access network equipment.

[0366] Optionally, the method provided in Figure 11 may also include S1104.

[0367] S1104, the access network device sends information for waking up the first terminal device. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives information for waking up the first terminal device.

[0368] The information used to wake up the first terminal device can also be understood as the information used to wake up the first terminal device.

[0369] Optionally, the frequency domain resources carrying the information for waking up the first terminal device are determined based on the third information. As an example, the frequency domain resources carrying the information for waking up the first terminal device may be the frequency domain resources used for communication after the first terminal device is woken up, as indicated by the third information.

[0370] Optionally, the method provided in Figure 11 may further include: the first terminal device determining the frequency domain resources carrying information for waking up the first terminal device based on the third information. In this case, the first terminal device receiving the information for waking up the first terminal device includes: the first terminal device receiving the information for waking up the first terminal device on the frequency domain resources carrying the information for waking up the first terminal device determined according to the third information. In some examples, the first terminal device may use the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up, as indicated by the third information, as the frequency domain resources carrying the information for waking up the first terminal device. That is, the access network device sends the information for waking up the first terminal device on the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up, as indicated by the third information; or, the frequency domain resources carrying the information for waking up the first terminal device are the same as the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up, as indicated by the third information.

[0371] Optionally, when the frequency domain resource carrying the information for waking up the first terminal device is the frequency domain resource for communication after the first terminal device is woken up, as indicated by the third information, the information for waking up the first terminal device is carried on the frequency domain resource for communication after the first terminal device is woken up; that is, the information for waking up the first terminal device is carried on the frequency domain resource indicated by the third information. In some examples, S1104 may include: the access network device sending information for waking up the first terminal device on the frequency domain resource for communication after the first terminal device is woken up. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the information for waking up the first terminal device on the frequency domain resource for communication after the first terminal device is woken up.

[0372] Optionally, the information used to wake up the first terminal device may be a paging message. In this case, the paging message is carried on the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up.

[0373] It is understandable that the information used to wake up the first terminal device could be other possible information or signaling, which will not be elaborated here.

[0374] Among them, the paging message is used to paging the first terminal device.

[0375] For details on the implementation of paging messages, please refer to the relevant introduction to paging messages in S508. For details on the implementation of S1103, please refer to the relevant introduction in S508.

[0376] The operations performed by the first terminal device based on the paging message can be referred to the relevant description in the method provided in Figure 5, and will not be repeated here.

[0377] Based on the communication method provided in Figure 11, after the first terminal device is woken up, it can communicate on the frequency domain resources indicated by the third information. It can indicate the frequency domain resources that meet the communication requirements and wake up on the frequency domain resources to communicate. This can realize the wake-up of spectrum resources as required and improve communication performance.

[0378] In other embodiments, the access network device can configure frequency domain resources for access control, such as anchor frequency domain resources, for the terminal device from a set of frequency domain resources. This will be described below with reference to the communication method shown in Figure 12. As shown in Figure 12, the communication method includes:

[0379] S1201, the access network device sends the fourth information.

[0380] Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the fourth information.

[0381] The fourth information is used to indicate the first frequency domain resource set and the first frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set corresponding to the first operator. The first operator is the operator corresponding to the first terminal device, and the first frequency domain resource set includes at least two frequency domain resources.

[0382] For details on the implementation of the first frequency domain resource set, please refer to the relevant introduction of the first frequency domain resource set in the method provided in Figure 5, which will not be elaborated here.

[0383] S1202, the access network device transmits the fifth information on the first frequency domain resource. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the fifth information on the first frequency domain resource.

[0384] Alternatively, the first terminal device transmits the sixth information on the first frequency domain resource. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the sixth information on the first frequency domain resource.

[0385] The fifth message is for dwell information, paging messages, or low-power wake-up signals, and the sixth message is for uplink wake-up signals.

[0386] Based on the communication method provided in Figure 12, the access network device can send fourth information to the first terminal device. The fourth information can be used to determine the first frequency domain resource corresponding to the first operator. In this way, the first terminal device can perform access control on the first frequency domain resource, such as receiving the fifth information and / or sending the sixth information. Thus, the access network device can indicate the frequency domain resource for access control to the first terminal device, making the frequency domain resource for access control more flexible.

[0387] As an example, an access network device can be a communication module, a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions, a chip system, or other components or parts. This communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions, chip system, or other components or parts can be used in network equipment.

[0388] In one possible implementation, the first frequency domain resource is a frequency domain resource dedicated to the first operator, or the first frequency domain resource is a frequency domain resource shared by the first operator and the second operator.

[0389] The communication method provided by the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to Figures 5-12. The communication apparatus used to perform the communication method provided by the embodiments of this application is described in detail below with reference to Figures 13 and 14.

[0390] For example, FIG13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1300 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in FIG13, the communication device 1300 includes a processing module 1301 and a transceiver module 1302. For ease of explanation, FIG13 only shows the main components of the communication device 1300.

[0391] In some embodiments, the communication device 1300 may be adapted to the communication system shown in FIG1 to perform the functions of the first terminal device in the communication method shown in FIG5.

[0392] The transceiver module 1302 is used to receive first information, which is used to determine the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set. The first frequency domain resource set includes at least two frequency domain resources.

[0393] The processing module 1301 is used to communicate on at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set through the transceiver module 1302, wherein the operator corresponding to the at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set includes the operator corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0394] Optionally, the processing module 1301 is further configured to determine the frequency domain resources available to the first terminal device based on the operator corresponding to the first terminal device and the operators corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set. The processing module 1301 is further configured to determine at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set from the frequency domain resources available to the first terminal device.

[0395] The transceiver module 1302 is also used to receive second information, which is used to determine a second frequency domain resource set, the second frequency domain resource set including at least one frequency domain resource.

[0396] The transceiver module 1302 is also used to receive third information, wherein the third information is used to determine the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up, and the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up include frequency domain resources located in the first frequency band or frequency domain resources located in the second frequency band.

[0397] Optionally, the transceiver module 1302 may include a receiving module and a transmitting module (not shown in FIG13). The transceiver module 1302 is used to implement the transmitting and receiving functions of the communication device 1300.

[0398] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 13) that stores information such as programs, instructions, or data. The processing module 1301 can read information from the storage module, enabling the communication device 1300 to perform the functions of the first terminal device in the communication method shown in FIG. 5.

[0399] It should be understood that the communication device 1300 may be a terminal device, a communication module, a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions, a chip system, or other components or assemblies. The communication module, the circuit or chip responsible for communication functions, the chip system, or other components or assemblies may be used in a terminal device. This application does not limit this.

[0400] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device 1300 can be seen in the technical effects of the communication method shown in Figure 5, and will not be repeated here.

[0401] In other embodiments, the communication device 1300 may be adapted to the communication system shown in FIG1 to perform the functions of the access network device in the communication method shown in FIG5.

[0402] The processing module 1301 is used to generate first information, wherein the first information is used to determine the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, and the first frequency domain resource set includes at least two frequency domain resources.

[0403] The transceiver module 1302 is used to send the first information.

[0404] Optionally, the transceiver module 1302 is further configured to send second information, the second information being used to determine a second set of frequency domain resources, the second set of frequency domain resources including at least one frequency domain resource.

[0405] Optionally, the transceiver module 1302 is further configured to send third information, wherein the third information is used to determine the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up, and the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up include frequency domain resources located in the first frequency band or frequency domain resources located in the second frequency band.

[0406] Optionally, the transceiver module 1302 may include a receiving module and a transmitting module (not shown in FIG13). The transceiver module 1302 is used to implement the transmitting and receiving functions of the communication device 1300.

[0407] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 13) that stores information such as programs, instructions, or data. The processing module 1301 can read information from the storage module, enabling the communication device 1300 to perform the functions of the access network device in the communication method shown in FIG. 5.

[0408] It should be noted that the communication device 1300 can be a network device, a communication module, a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions, a chip system, or other components or assemblies. This communication module, the circuit or chip responsible for communication functions, the chip system, or other components or assemblies can be used in network devices.

[0409] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device 1300 can be seen in the technical effects of the communication method shown in Figure 5, which will not be elaborated here.

[0410] It should be understood that when the communication device 1300 is used to perform the functions of the first terminal device or the access network device, the processing module 1301 involved in the communication device 1300 can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components, and can be a processor or processing unit; the transceiver module 1302 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components or a communication interface.

[0411] In some embodiments, the communication device 1300 may be adapted to the communication system shown in FIG1 to perform the functions of the first terminal device in the method shown in FIG11 or FIG12.

[0412] The transceiver module 1302 is used to perform the transceiver function of the method shown in Figure 11, and the processing module 1301 is used to perform other functions of the method shown in Figure 11 or Figure 12 besides the transceiver function.

[0413] Optionally, the transceiver module 1302 may include a receiving module and a transmitting module (not shown in FIG13). The transceiver module is used to implement the transmitting and receiving functions of the communication device 1300.

[0414] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG13) that stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1301 executes the program or instructions, the communication device 1300 can perform the functions of the first terminal device in the method shown in FIG11 or FIG12.

[0415] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 13) that stores information such as programs, instructions, or data. The processing module 1301 can read information from the storage module, enabling the communication device 1300 to perform the functions of the first terminal device in the communication method shown in FIG. 5.

[0416] In some embodiments, the communication device 1300 may be adapted to the communication system shown in FIG1 to perform the functions of the access network device in the method shown in FIG11 or FIG12.

[0417] The transceiver module 1302 is used to perform the transceiver function of the method shown in Figure 11, and the processing module 1301 is used to perform other functions of the method shown in Figure 11 or Figure 12 besides the transceiver function.

[0418] Optionally, the transceiver module 1302 may include a receiving module and a transmitting module (not shown in FIG13). The transceiver module is used to implement the transmitting and receiving functions of the communication device 1300.

[0419] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 13) that stores information such as programs, instructions, or data. The processing module 1301 can read information from the storage module, enabling the communication device 1300 to perform the functions of the access network device in the communication method shown in FIG. 5.

[0420] For example, Figure 14 is a second schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication device can be a terminal device or a network device, or it can be a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in a terminal device or network device. As shown in Figure 14, the communication device 1400 may include a processor 1401. Optionally, the communication device 1400 may also include a memory 1402 and / or a transceiver 1403. The processor 1401 is coupled to the memory 1402 and the transceiver 1403, for example, they can be connected via a communication bus.

[0421] The following is a detailed description of each component of the communication device 1400 with reference to Figure 14:

[0422] The processor 1401 is the control center of the communication device 1400. It can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, the processor 1401 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of this application, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0423] Optionally, the processor 1401 can perform various functions of the communication device 1400 by running or executing software programs stored in the memory 1402 and calling data stored in the memory 1402.

[0424] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, processor 1401 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 shown in FIG14.

[0425] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, the communication device 1400 may also include multiple processors, such as processors 1401 and 1404 shown in FIG. 14. Each of these processors may be a single-core processor (single-CPU) or a multi-core processor (multi-CPU). Here, a processor may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0426] The memory 1402 is used to store the software program that executes the solution of this application, and is controlled by the processor 1401 to execute it. The specific implementation method can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0427] Optionally, the memory 1402 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. The memory 1402 may be integrated with the processor 1401 or may exist independently and be coupled to the processor 1401 through the interface circuit of the communication device 1400 (not shown in FIG. 14). This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0428] Alternatively, the memory may be located outside the communication device.

[0429] Transceiver 1403 is used for communication with other communication devices. For example, if communication device 1400 is a terminal device, transceiver 1403 can be used to communicate with a network device or with another terminal device. As another example, if communication device 1400 is a network device, transceiver 1403 can be used to communicate with a terminal device or with another network device.

[0430] Optionally, transceiver 1403 may include a receiver and a transmitter (not shown separately in Figure 14). The receiver is used to implement the receiving function, and the transmitter is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0431] Optionally, the transceiver 1403 can be integrated with the processor 1401 or exist independently and be coupled to the processor 1401 through the interface circuit of the communication device 1400 (not shown in FIG14). This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0432] It should be noted that the structure of the communication device 1400 shown in Figure 14 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. The actual communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0433] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device 1400 can be referred to the technical effects of the sensing method described in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0434] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a CPU, but it can also be other general-purpose processors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0435] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be ROM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), EEPROM, or flash memory. Volatile memory can be RAM, which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0436] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware (such as circuits), firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more sets of available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium. A semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0437] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it can also represent an "and / or" relationship. Please refer to the context for a more accurate understanding.

[0438] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0439] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0440] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0441] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0442] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0443] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0444] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0445] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0446] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first terminal device, the method includes: Receive first information, wherein the first information is used to determine the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, and the first frequency domain resource set includes at least two frequency domain resources; Communication is performed on at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, and the operator corresponding to at least one frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set includes the operator corresponding to the first terminal device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first frequency domain resource set includes frequency domain resources located in the first frequency band and / or frequency domain resources in the second frequency band. The first frequency band corresponds to at least two operators, and the second frequency band corresponds to one operator.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the operator corresponding to the first terminal device and the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, determine the frequency domain resources available to the first terminal device. At least one frequency domain resource from the first set of frequency domain resources is determined from the frequency domain resources available to the first terminal device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information, the second information being used to determine a second set of frequency domain resources, the second set of frequency domain resources including at least one frequency domain resource.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information, wherein the third information is used to determine the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up, and the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up include frequency domain resources located in the first frequency band or frequency domain resources located in the second frequency band.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The third information is carried on the frequency domain resources of the first frequency band.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, There is a correspondence between the identifier of the terminal device set and the first frequency band or the second frequency band; wherein, the third information includes the identifier of the first terminal device set to which the first terminal device is located, and the frequency domain resources for communication performed by the first terminal device after being woken up are located in the frequency band corresponding to the identifier of the first terminal device set.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5-7, characterized in that, The frequency domain resources used for communication after the first terminal device is woken up are located on the same frequency domain resources as the third information; or, the frequency domain resources used for communication after the first terminal device is woken up are located on different frequency domain resources in the same set of frequency domain resources as the third information; or, the frequency domain resources used for communication after the first terminal device is woken up are located on frequency domain resources in different sets of frequency domain resources as the third information.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to access network equipment, the method includes: Generate first information, wherein the first information is used to determine the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set, and the first frequency domain resource set includes at least two frequency domain resources; Send the first message.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first frequency domain resource set includes frequency domain resources located in the first frequency band and / or frequency domain resources in the second frequency band. The first frequency band corresponds to at least two operators, and the second frequency band corresponds to one operator.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The operators corresponding to the frequency domain resources in the first frequency domain resource set include the first operator.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message, the second message being used to determine a second set of frequency domain resources, the second set of frequency domain resources including at least one frequency domain resource.

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third message, wherein the third message is used to determine the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up, and the frequency domain resources for communication after the first terminal device is woken up include frequency domain resources located in the first frequency band or frequency domain resources located in the second frequency band.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The third information is carried on the frequency domain resources of the first frequency band.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, There is a correspondence between the identifier of the terminal device set and the first frequency band or the second frequency band; wherein, the third information includes the identifier of the first terminal device set to which the first terminal device is located, and the frequency domain resources for communication performed by the first terminal device after being woken up are located in the frequency band corresponding to the identifier of the first terminal device set.

16. The method according to claim 1, 2, 8 or 9, characterized in that, The first frequency domain resource set includes first frequency domain resources and second frequency domain resources.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first frequency domain resource is used to carry at least one of the following: information for residing, paging messages, low-power wake-up signals or uplink wake-up signals, and the second frequency domain resource is used to carry service data.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The frequency of the first frequency domain resource is less than the frequency of the second frequency domain resource.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The first frequency domain resource is located within a first frequency band, and the first frequency band corresponds to at least two operators; or, The first frequency domain resource is located in the second frequency band, and the second frequency band corresponds to an operator.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17-19, characterized in that, The first information is also used to indicate the first frequency domain resources of the first terminal device.

21. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first frequency domain resource corresponds to the first operator, and the second frequency domain resource corresponds to the second operator.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The first frequency domain resource set also includes a third frequency domain resource, which corresponds to the first operator and the second operator.

23. The method according to any one of claims 1-22, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate the operator corresponding to the first frequency domain resource set, or the first information is used to indicate the operator corresponding to each frequency domain resource in the first frequency domain resource set.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-23.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-23.

26. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes: a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-23.

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